Bidspirit auction | Antique English Sterling Silver Coin

Antique English Sterling Silver Coin Purse – Henry Matthews, Birmingham 1916 - A small English sterling silver coin purse dating from the First World War period. Of rounded form, fitted with a spring frame, ball clasp, short carrying chain and finger ring. The brown leather interior opens in a concertina arrangement and is divided into several compartments. Hallmarked: H/M – maker’s mark of Birmingham silversmith Henry Matthews, whose mark was registered in 1893. Lion passant – sterling silver standard, 925 fineness. Anchor – Birmingham Assay Office. Lowercase r – date letter for 1916. The front bears an engraved script monogram, apparently D.M. Height: 7.5 cm. Width: 10.5 cm. Total weight: 132 g, including the leather interior and frame components. Condition: considerable age-related wear, scratches, rubbing, tarnish, small dents and local deformation to the silver body. A visible gap remains along part of the frame when closed, apparently due to distortion. The leather interior is dry and worn, with staining, peeling, tears and local separation around the folds and compartments. Minor wear and distortion to the chain and finger ring. Please examine the photographs for condition.