Designer/Artist
Frederick Elkington, Birmingham

Description
A wonderfully unique electroformed silver card case in rectangular form, relief design with classic figures among gothic masks and strapwork scrolls, the central panel with a classical woman embracing a putto. A highly unusual

Made in 1852, this silver case would have been used to hold calling cards. Such cards were presented by an individual upon paying a formal visit to someone’s home.

This particular case was shown at the Exposition Universelle of 1855 in Paris and at the International Exhibition, London, in 1862. This piece is housed in the private collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

It’s the work of designer George C. Stanton who worked for Elkington, Mason & Co, in Birmingham, England.Elkington, Mason & Co. specialized in electroplate and electrotypes. Stanton, an expert in the field, was initially hired to assist their chief designer, but soon stepped up to a more important role within the firm.

Condition
Vintage, ca. United Kingdom , 1854

Measurements
W 6.5 H 9.5 CM