Victorian Sampson Mordan Silver Seamstress Kit Etui

$3,500.00

Enquire or Hold

Victorian Sampson Mordan Silver Seamstress Kit Etui

$3,500.00

Description

DATE: Victorian, c.1874

A fantastic and rare silver "seamstress kit" etui, made by the esteemed silversmith Sampson Mordan & Co and retailed by Thornhill. Modelled as a little suitcase, this kit has three items a seamstress can't live without- needles, a thimble and a measuring tape! The case is hinged down one side, and the tree pieces stand up straight as you open the case- perfect for accessing them. The measuring tape unravels to around 13 inches, the six needles/pins are kept safe in their little container and the thimble is a great size! It features English hallmarks for London and the year 1874.

Sampson Mordan & Co was established in 1815 after some years of apprenticeship. He registered his own silver mark in 1823, and entered a partnership with stationer Gabriel Riddle. They manufactured and retailed many writing and stationery related goods, particularly their silver mechanical pencils. After years of business, Mordan died in 1843, and left his business to his sons Sampson Mordan Jr and Augustus Mordan.

The retail company of Thornhill can be traced back to 1734, based at 137 Bond Street in London. During their many years of business, they worked for Queen Victoria, the Prince and Princess of Wales as well as other members of the royal family. After being passed down through generations, Walter Thornhill soon built up a great reputation for the quality of his work, winning a prize medal at the Great Exhibition of 1851, the International Exposition of 1855 in Paris, the International Exhibition of 1862 and then multiple medals at the International Exposition of 1878 in Paris.

MEASUREMENTS

3.6 x 5.2cm

WEIGHT

58.47g

MARKS

English hallmarks for sterling silver, London 1874

CONDITION

Excellent