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1900 Henry Matthew Box of Sterling Tools (6)

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:150.00 - 300.00 USD
1900 Henry Matthew Box of Sterling Tools (6)
For your consideration is this wood box of sterling and steel tools made by Henry Matthews in Birmingham, England circa 1900. Henry Matthews was a Birmingham based silversmith; his first mark was registered in 1894. His office was on Vittoria Street, Birmingham. A Street that is famous for being part of the Jewelry Quarter in Birmingham. Matthews is particularly remembered for his small silver items that required great attention to detail. In 1930, Henry Matthews stopped production. The box has been painted red and once featured a working latch but has since been broken. The inside is lined with a maroon felt featuring designed spots for the tools on the bottom and an off-white linen on the top reading, "R. Stewart By Appointment to the Queen Glasgow" in gold gilt lettering. The tools included in this box are as follows: a large shoe horn, a large button hook, a small scalpel, a small button hook, pliers and a file. The box is missing two tools. The pieces are marked with stamps and the maker's mark. The steel proportions are stamped "Steel". The makers mark reads "H" "M", with the other stamps showing the Birmingham town mark, a lion passant indicating the quality of the silver, and the letter "a" indicating the year it was made (1900). The box shows fair condition with worn and chipped paint as well as chipping to some areas of the wood. The tools show good condition overall with the sterling proportions showing a light patina from their age and use over the years, but no obvious signs of damage are present on the tools. The box measures 6 3/8" L x 12 1/4" W x 1 1/4" H. The tools measure from 9 1/8" L x 1 1/2" W to 4 1/2" L x 5/8" W. The collective weight of the box and tools is approximately 1 pounds and 4 ounces.*