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Victorian Sterling Silver Chatelaine Spectacle Case by L. Bennet & Co.
Elaborately decorated Victorian sterling silver chatelaine spectacle case made by L. Bennet & Co. and hallmarked Birmingham 1900. Open case suspended from an ornamental clothing pin by two curb chains and what appears to be the original purple velvet-covered paper liner.
Densely worked with scrolling foliage, engraved and chased details, and a blank shield-form cartouche. Its openwork upper mount incorporates a female mask surrounded by symmetrical scrolls, foliage and shell-like ornament. The lower case measures approximately 165 mm long by 40 mm wide, or about 50 mm across the side loops. Overall hanging length is approximately 240 mm. The sterling assembly weighs approximately 80 grams without the liner.
Condition
- Excellent overall antique condition with light expected surface wear and no prominent scratches.
- One shallow ding on the reverse, clearly shown in the photographs.
- No splits, breaks or other obvious damage to the case.
- Blank cartouche remains free of initials or other engraving.
- Hinge on the clothing pin is sound and functions correctly. Both chains and their attachment rings remain sturdy.
- The apparently original velvet-covered paper liner is in fair, presentable condition with thinning in its highest-wear areas.
- The liner's original adhesive had released. It was re-affixed using a minimal amount of reversible Paraloid B-72 conservation adhesive.
- Lightly polished by hand only, with no machine polishing. Slight residue from earlier polishing remains in a few deeply recessed areas.
Fulfillment
Carefully wrapped in archival materials, wiped free of fingerprints to help prevent premature tarnishing, and secured inside a reinforced box. Ships insured with tracking by USPS, FedEx or UPS Ground. Typically ships within 1 business day. Rates to Alaska and Hawaii differ from continental US; please message for quote. Interational shipping available through 's Global Shipping Program.
