Étui à cartes articulé gravé en argent sterling Gorham Co. Angleterre points de vente victorienne années 1840

Victoian England 1840s Sterling Silver Engraved Hinged Card Case by Gorham Company. 2”x3.5”. This is a rectangular box with a decorative heart-shaped engraving on the front. The engraving reads REC within the heart. There is some slight denting and wear commensurate with age. On English silver, the lion passant is a standard mark indicating sterling silver (925 purity). The "W" as a date letter would typically mean the piece was produced between 1845 and 1846, likely in Birmingham. This is because "W" was the date letter used in Birmingham during that period. The "lion points de vente passant" itself is a recognized symbol for sterling silver, dating back to 1720 when it became a common mark across English assay offices.