-Edwardian 1913 Art Nouveau Enamelled Guilloche Purse In .925 Sterling Silver
An Edwardian guilloche enamel coins purse made by E. J. Houlston.
Very rare early 20th century enamel oval coin purse, created in Birmingham England during the Edwardian period. This beautiful antique piece was carefully made at the silversmith workshop of Edwin Joseph Houlston, back in the 1913 Crafted with impeccable details in solid .925/.999 standard silver and lined in the interiors with natural folded leather. Made in an oval bombe shape and fitted with a five barrels, a hinged push lid raised by a simple thumbpiece. Engine turned guilloche decoration topped with applications of translucent light purple enamel and a finger double chain of four inches attached to a ring. Engraved with a beautiful A incissed with baroque patterns.
Weight: 74.30 Grams, (47.63 Dwt).
Measurements: 101 mm by 56 mm by 22 mm (3.98 x 2.21 x 0.87 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with England Crowns marks, the anchor for the city of Birmingham, the maker's mark EJH, associated to E. J. Houlston inside a cartouche, the mark for tha assay of the silver .925 and the letter O for the date of 1913.
Edwin Joseph Houlston
The company was reputedly established in the 1830s, the Birmingham firm of E.J. Houlston Ltd were specialising in good quality silver and silver-plated tableware and smalls during the first half of the 20th Century. They registered their mark ‘E.J.H’ in 1903 and 1945 which remained in use until 1963. Although Houlston originally seem to have specialised in silver mountings for pottery, the firm was soon producing practical table wares including salts, sauce boats, napkin rings and strainers as well as personal objects such as boxes and cigarette cases. Their silver plate was sold under the brand name ‘Caroline’ and was targeted at hotels and cafes. As a note pieces from Houlston, made in enamel guilloche are very rare and seldom see in the antique market.
Guilloché
Is a term used in fine jewelry or objets 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.
The Edwardian Period
The Edwardian Jewelry Period was during the King Edward VII, after whom this period of jewelry history is named, reigned over England for only nine years, yet the style of jewelry known as “Edwardian” was created roughly between 1890 and 1920. Edwardian-era rings tend to be larger, opulent pieces, and stacked ring designs were popular. The metal surfaces of the rings were often diamond-encrusted for additional shimmer. Each of these rings is a work of art, showcasing a bygone era of grace, elegance and the royalty the Edwardian era is named for.
Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation jewelry pouch.
Condition: The overall condition of this box is impeccable. Beside the little normal wear, there is no trace opf wear to the silver. Tenamel is secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D071123RENJ/2.202
