Edwardian Engine-Turned Sterling Silver Minaudière / Purse by E. J. Trevitt & Sons
Vanity Set / Decorative Object (Sterling Silver Purse/Minaudière) · E. J. Trevitt & Sons. A prolific and respected firm of manufacturing silversmiths based in Birmingham, England, established in the late 19th century and active through the mid-20th century, specializing in small silver novelties and vanity items.
Pattern: Traditional Wavy Engine-Turned Pattern (Moiré style); common for the late Edwardian era with no specific pattern name but highly characteristic of Trevitt production.
Type
Vanity Set / Decorative Object (Sterling Silver Purse/Minaudière)
Maker
E. J. Trevitt & Sons. A prolific and respected firm of manufacturing silversmiths based in Birmingham, England, established in the late 19th century and active through the mid-20th century, specializing in small silver novelties and vanity items.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) as indicated by the Lion Passant hallmark. Features a leather-lined interior and an original glass mirror insert.
Dimensions
Typically 3 to 4 inches in width (7.5-10 cm). Weight is generally between 80-140 grams including the interior liner and mirror. It is an 'individual' size intended to be held in the hand or suspended from a wrist chain.
Description
This is an elegant sterling silver purse, often called a minaudière or card case, featuring a sophisticated wavy engine-turned design. These items were essential accessories for the early 20th-century woman of status, used to carry small essentials during social calls. The shimmering Moire-effect surface reflects light beautifully, showcasing the mechanical precision of Birmingham silversmithing at its peak.
Key Features
The distinctive wavy 'Moire' engine-turned surface; the 'E.J.T' maker's mark; the presence of an original leather interior and mirror (which increases collector value significantly).
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) as indicated by the Lion Passant hallmark. Features a leather-lined interior and an original glass mirror insert.
Finish & Decoration
The exterior features high-quality 'Engine-Turned' decoration (guilloché) in a wavy, undulating 'Moiré' pattern. This technique uses a rose engine lathe to cut precise, repetitive geometric patterns into the silver. The edges are high-polish with a subtle reeded or stepped border.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The image shows the 'Lion Passant' (British symbol for .925 sterling silver) and the maker's mark 'E.J.T' in a shield (E. J. Trevitt & Sons). The user notes a 'K' date letter; for Birmingham, a lowercase 'k' in this specific font style corresponds to the year 1909.
Construction Details
Constructed from two die-stamped or machine-pressed sterling silver sheets. The pieces are joined by a precise piano hinge and a snap-closure thumbpiece. The interior leather and mirror are fitted into a internal silver bezel.
Functional Features
Includes a hinged lid, a tension-snap closure, an interior leather-lined compartment for calling cards or banknotes, and a built-in mirror for vanity touch-ups. Usually features a chain (finger ring or carry chain) attached to the top corners.
Handle & Grip Details
No fixed handle; typically features a small silver link chain (often missing on secondary market pieces) attached via two small silver loops (soldered to the frame).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality manufacturing. The seamless alignment of the engine-turned pattern across the hinge line is a sign of a skilled finisher. The marks are deeply struck, indicating a piece intended for export or high-end retail.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark consistency (Lion Passant and Maker's mark match style and period); wear patterns are consistent with handled silver; engine-turned depth is consistent with genuine rose-lathe work rather than modern casting.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England (based on the documented history of E. J. Trevitt and the specific hallmark style). The city was the center of the British 'toy' and small-silver manufacturing trade.
Era & Period
Edwardian Era (1901-1910). The geometric precision of the engine-turning combined with the classic 'minaudière' form is a hallmark of the transition between Art Nouveau fluidity and Art Deco linearity.
Age Estimate
Circa 1909. The 'K' date letter for the Birmingham Assay Office confirms this specific year of manufacture.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Social Season' rituals of the Edwardian era, where calling cards and small vanity mirrors were social necessities. It reflects the industrialization of luxury where engine-turning allowed for high-fashion designs at a scale accessible to the growing middle class.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The engine-turning is crisp with minimal wear. Some surface micro-scratching is visible on the high-polish edges. The hinge appears tight. Leather interiors often suffer from dry rot, so a supple interior is a major plus.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD. Value is higher if the interior leather is pristine and the original chain is present. Significant dents or a broken mirror would reduce value by 50%.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a soft cloth and a high-quality cream like Wright's. Avoid submersion in water due to the leather interior and the silvering on the back of the mirror, which can peel if moisture gets behind it.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. sterling card cases (usually heavier/more expensive); Gorham 'Strasbourg' purses; or Elkington & Co. plated versions (which will lack the Lion Passant).
Interesting Facts
Items like this were often given as 'Chatelaine' accessories or morning gifts. While Trevitt made many such cases, those with intact mirrors and leather are becoming increasingly rare as many were 'stripped' for their silver weight in the 1980s.
Notes
On a only silver purse that’s leather inside, it had a mirror attached with a K date