Bidspirit auction | Victorian Sterling Silver Sovereign and

Victorian Sterling Silver Sovereign and Half-Sovereign Case – Deakin & Francis – Birmingham 1887 – Military Competition Prize 1888 - A Victorian sterling silver coin case made by Deakin & Francis, Birmingham, England. It contains two circular spring-loaded compartments: one intended for a sovereign and the smaller one for a half-sovereign. A large suspension ring is attached at the top. The interior bears the D&F maker’s mark, Birmingham anchor, lion passant for sterling silver, Queen Victoria duty mark and a date letter apparently corresponding to 1887. The front is presentation-engraved: S.D.M. ASSAULT AT ARMS 1888 OFFICERS TILTING AT RING 1st PRIZE CAPT. BAIRD E.L.Y.C. The case was presented to Captain Baird as first prize in a military tilting-at-the-ring competition held in 1888. The initials E.L.Y.C. most likely refer to the East Lothian Yeomanry Cavalry. Total weight: 37 g. The stated weight includes the spring mechanisms and internal components, which are not necessarily made of silver. Overall length including ring: 7.2 cm. Width: 3.2 cm. Height: 1.5 cm. Age-related wear, scratches, rubbing, tarnishing and localized oxidation. Please examine the photographs for condition.