Antique Black Tooled Leather Pendant or Medal Box – J. A. Restall, Birmingham

Key Features

• Maker: J. A. Restall, Jeweller, Silversmith and Medallist, 82 Cambridge Street, Birmingham

• Material: Black tooled leather exterior

• Interior: Blue velvet pendant or medal pad with cream silk lid lining and printed maker’s stamp

• Closure: Metal push button clasp

• Intended Use: Pendant, fob or small medal

• Era: Circa 1900 to 1915

• Dimensions: W 6.5 cm x D 8.24 cm x H 2.1 cm (approx.)

• Internal Reference: 459

Description

An authentic early 20th century pendant or medal box crafted by J. A. Restall of Birmingham, one of the city’s best known jewellers, silversmiths and medallists. The exterior is finished in black tooled leather with a classic gold perimeter line, giving it a timeless Edwardian appearance. Inside, the lid is lined in cream silk bearing the original gold printed Restall stamp, while the base features deep blue velvet with an impressed outline showing where the medal or pendant once sat. The push button clasp functions correctly, and the box retains its original proportions and character despite its age. A charming and historically significant example of Birmingham jewellery heritage.

Provenance or History

J. A. Restall was a highly regarded jeweller, silversmith and medallist active from the late 19th century into the 1930s. Operating from 82 Cambridge Street from 1896 onwards, Restall supplied medals, jewellery and presentation pieces across the UK. His work appeared at major exhibitions and is held today in museum collections including the V&A and the Museum of English Rural Life. Restall’s boxes are particularly collectable due to their association with Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter and their refined craftsmanship. This example reflects the classic late Victorian to Edwardian style used between 1900 and 1915, making it a desirable piece for collectors of antique British jewellery cases.

Why Buy This Box

• A genuine Edwardian presentation box made by a prominent Birmingham jeweller

• Distinctive tooled leather exterior with original gold detailing

• Clear and readable silk maker’s stamp providing strong provenance

• Ideal for displaying an antique pendant, medal or fob

• A historically interesting and highly collectable piece of early 20th-century craftsmanship