Engraved box from yesterday reveals more surprises

[Kenleyboy]

Following on from yesterdays post , I found this little engraved box yesterday afternoon .

I did try the silver foil method but there was no hint of whiffy egg smell so I just assumed that it was a little metal box engraved and could be modern or even costume jewellery although it was still quite a neat little find . As always curiosity gets the better and I wanted to see if I could open the lid but it appeared to be firmly wedged and not wishing to use any excess force I just gave the box a little wipe down to get rid of the soil . Hopefully in doing so this may loosen things up a bit and allow me to open it up as there was quite clearly a hinge to the rear and the little catch plate on the front .This proved to be a false lid .

It was also full of soil inside the box as the rear has perforations so a bit of water and a tooth brush I cleared as much as possible to hopeful free things up a little more .

Although this didn't work , the extra soft cleaning did reveal yet another hinge on the extreme short edge and the opposing short edge had a little groove which allowed the thumbnail to prize it open and eventually I was able to open it up . It is an ingenious little box and a deliberate attempt to prevent idle hands from pilfering what may have been inside . A suggestion by Littleboot could be snuff although it was suggested it was a bit too small for a snuff box . I have no idea but it is tiny measuring 20 mm x 15 mm .

I left it to dry opened overnight as there were still remnants of wet sticky soil inside the box but when I cleaned it this morning it revealed a pleasant surprise . I could just make out some engraving under the smeared dry residue and wiping away revealed a hallmark

A little bit of research and so far I have managed to find out that it is a Birmingham maker L & Co Ledsham and Vale and date line is 1818 - 1826 . I am not suggesting this is correct , thats al I could find and if anyone knows better then please correct me

I think I am liking this Deus Lite

[figgis]

Vinaigrette missing its lid?

[Steve_JT]

I think it may be a pomander

Regards Steve

[Littleboot]

I just love surprises like that.....a little box of mystery and a keeper of secrets. Cracking little find.
It is always nice to get a find that gets better the more you investigate it....they help to balance the ones we put in our pouches full of high expectations only to get them home, rinse them off and find they were nothing special.

[Littleboot]

I just love surprises like that.....a little box of mystery and a keeper of secrets. Cracking little find.
It is always nice to get a find that gets better the more you investigate it....they help to balance the ones we put in our pouches full of high expectations only to get them home, rinse them off and find they were nothing special.

As Steve said..a vinaigrette. I had a look about and saw several from that company all dating to the Regency/George iv period. they are very collectable and that is a excellent find. Apparently they were often gilded inside to protect from the corrosive effects of the vinaigrette.

[Littleboot]

As Figgy said..a vinaigrette. I had a look about and saw several from that company all dating to the Regency/George iv period. they are very collectable and that is a excellent find. Apparently they were often gilded inside to protect from the corrosive effects of the vinaigrette.

[Dave The Slave]

Now that is a find of substance but which substance did it contain.
Would go for a vinaigrette as well. Just had to look up Steve`s suggestion.
Would say your Silver maker is correct and X is 1821.
Great find.
Dave.

[wittsy1]

Absolutely love it. Well done to you.

[Mucky]

A very nice find. Well done!

[Oxgirl]

Brilliant find! Love it when the finds bag delivers a nice surprise rather than the usual disappointment

[shaggybfc]

That’s a nice find. Beats a beat up coin any day of the week

[Paint]

Nice bit of silver and well saved that would make I nice little coin box for keeping them safe when detecting

[Pitbull The Elder]

That's definitely one for the display cabinet. Nice find.