Treasure Fine Jewelry

WILLIAM NEAL 1931 Birmingham Guilloche Green Enamel Box In .925 Sterling

$1,598.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

An art deco guilloche enamel box designed by William Neal & Sons

This is a fabulous rectangular antique case-box, created in the city of Birmingham England at the silversmiths of Adie Brothers Ltd, back in the 1931. The beautiful box has been crafted with great art deco geometric patterns and beveled borders in solid .925/.999 standard silver, with 24 karats gilded interiors. The unusual box is embellished with a gorgeous engine-turned guilloche pattern, which is topped with vivid green translucent glass enamel. The box is fitted with a lid which is mounted in a concealed nine barrels hinge and a pressure pusher lock.

Weight: 112.3 Grams, (72.05 Dwt).

Measurements: 78 mm by 63 mm by 13 mm (3.07 x 2.48 x 0.51 Inches).

Hallmarks: Both parts are stamped with British marks; the rampant lion for England, the mark of the anchor for the city of Birmingham, the maker's mark W.N. LTD associated to the silversmiths and jewelers WILLIAM NEAL & SONS Ltd., and the gothic letter code G for the assay date of 1931-32.

Willian Neal & Sons Limited

The firm was established by William Neale in 1850 in the heart of Birmingham's jewellery quarter. Between 1860 - 1875 two ornate purpose built jewellery factories were erected at 27 - 29 Warstone Lane, as shown in the image above. Number 27 (left) was built for Edward Day, as a refining and assaying works. Number 29 was built for William Neale & Sons, who were listed as silversmiths and jewelers. The imposing premises owned by these two firms demonstrate the prosperity of the area which was fueled by the increased demand for jewellery in the mid-nineteenth century. Number 29 is described as a High Victorian Gothic jewellery works. The impressive building stands three stories high with painted stone dressings. The impost blocks on the ground floor are adorned with ornate carvings of acanthus leaves. William Neale's mark was entered at the Birmingham assay office in April 1862 and at the Chester assay office in September 1882. Later the firm was known as William Neale & Sons to acknowledge the partnership of William Neale senior, William Neale junior & Arthur Neale. New larger premises were required and the firm relocated to a purpose built factory at 29 Warstone Lane, Birmingham (1896). In 1905 the firm became a limited company - William Neale & Sons Ltd. William Neale is noted for producing small to medium sized items crafted from sterling silver - cigarette and vesta cases, vanities, dressing table accessories and cased vanity sets. Ornate silver and oak picture frames, condiment sets, florid Art Nouveau pieces which include magnificent silver serving trays and nurses belt buckles. In 1910 the company moved to 34 Cox Street, St. Paul’s Square, Birmingham. In 1942 the firm was absorbed by Suckling Ltd.

Guilloché

Is a term used in fine jewelry or objects de Vertu to enhance the appearance of boxes, frames, brooches, rings or pendants. Guilloché enamel refers to metal pieces that have been given the Guilloché treatment and then covered with a translucent layer of enamel, giving the geometric patterns underneath the enamel a colorful hue.

Collateral: This box is accompanied by a presentation jewelry pouch.

Condition: The overall condition of this box is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no trace of damage to the silver. The enamel is secured in the settings and this piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D082224DAEE/3.329