Late Victorian Sterling Silver Box or Tray by John Henry Wynn
Hollowware (Small Casket, Snuff Box, or Card Case) · John Henry Wynn (J.H.W), a prominent Birmingham manufacturing silversmith known for small silver novelties and high-quality hollowware.
Pattern: Traditional Birmingham silversmithing pattern, likely plain or engraved geometric style common to mid-range late 19th-century silver.
Type
Hollowware (Small Casket, Snuff Box, or Card Case)
Maker
John Henry Wynn (J.H.W), a prominent Birmingham manufacturing silversmith known for small silver novelties and high-quality hollowware.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) indicated by the Lion Passant hallmark.
Dimensions
Estimated small form (approx. 5-10cm) consistent with a pocket card case or desk box; weight estimated at 40-75 grams depending on depth.
Description
This piece is a classic example of late-19th century British silver craftsmanship from the workshop of John Henry Wynn. The hallmarks are exceptionally crisp, showing the proud Lion Passant and the Birmingham Anchor. This type of silver was often designed for personal use or as gentleman's accessories, showcasing the industrial yet refined aesthetic of the late Victorian period.
Key Features
Crisp strike of the date letter 'u' (1894) and the identifiable 'J.H.W' maker's mark which confirms the provenance of John Henry Wynn.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) indicated by the Lion Passant hallmark.
Finish & Decoration
Satinized or naturally aged matte finish with potential light engine-turning or bright-cut engraving on the exterior faces.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A sequence of four British hallmarks: 1. Date Letter 'u' (shield shape) for 1894; 2. Lion Passant (fineness mark for .925 silver); 3. Anchor (assay office mark for Birmingham); 4. Maker's mark 'J.H.W' in a rectangular cartouche for John Henry Wynn.
Construction Details
Likely constructed from die-struck components or sheet silver with soldered seams and hand-finished edges.
Functional Features
Smooth interior for holding small items, likely featuring a precision hinge or pressure-fit lid characteristic of Birmingham small-worker production.
Handle & Grip Details
None visible in the image; likely a finger-pull edge or low-profile lid lip for manual opening.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard high-utility Victorian production; marks are struck cleanly without 'ghosting,' indicating a well-hardened silver surface and experienced striking.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark logic is consistent: 'u' matches the font style used by Birmingham in 1894; the maker JHW was active in Birmingham during this exact window.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England. Produced in the historic Jewellery Quarter, global center of metalworking during the late 19th century.
Era & Period
Late Victorian Period (1894). Characterized by high-volume, high-quality manufacturing from the Birmingham jewellery quarter.
Age Estimate
Precisely 1894 based on the Birmingham date letter 'u' in the specific shield frame shown.
Cultural Significance
Represents the rise of the middle class in Victorian Britain, where silver items became accessible through advanced industrial methods while maintaining the legal standards of the hallmark system.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The hallmarks show minimal wear across the high points of the lion's mane and anchor flukes. Minor surface scratching and oxidation (tarnish) consistent with age.
Value Estimate
Estimated between $80 - $250 USD depending on the full size and exterior condition of the object.
Care & Maintenance
Gentle buffing with a high-quality silver cloth; avoid chemical dips as they can remove detail and natural patina around the hallmark strikes.
Similar Pieces
Similar work by Nathan & Hayes or Adie & Lovekin, also Birmingham small-workers of the 1890s.
Interesting Facts
John Henry Wynn was noted for his work in small decorative silver items, often referred to as 'Birmingham toys'—a traditional term for small luxury goods.