Antique Gun Metal and Turquoise Full Sovereign Case with Working Spring Pusher - Circa 1895-1910 - C3063

Summary

A rare antique full sovereign case, circa 1895-1910, in dark gun metal finished steel with brass fittings and a scattered arrangement of turquoise cabochons to the front face. The press button catch, hinge and internal spring loaded coin pusher with concentric guilloche engine turned face are all in working order. Stamped 96 to the interior.

Description

A rare antique sovereign case from the late Victorian to Edwardian period, constructed in dark gun metal finished steel with brass fittings to the suspension loop and interior mechanism. The front face is set with eight small turquoise cabochons in a loose scattered arrangement, with a further stone visible at the upper edge. The dark ground and bright stones make for a striking contrast, and the combination of gun metal finish with turquoise decoration is considerably less common than the plain silver examples that survive in greater numbers.

The case opens via a small press button adjacent to the suspension fitting. Inside, the spring loaded coin pusher has a finely engine turned face with a concentric guilloche pattern on a crosshatch ground - a notably refined piece of work for a functional component. Curved brass retaining sections surround the pusher, holding the sovereign firmly in place while allowing easy removal.

Sovereign cases of this type were designed to carry a single full size gold sovereign securely in a waistcoat or trouser pocket, typically suspended from an Albert chain. This example retains all its working functions.

The interior is stamped 96, most likely a factory, pattern or assembly number rather than a date mark. No maker's name or trademark has been identified.

Period records confirm that dark gun metal or oxidised steel was used for a range of personal accessories during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, including pocket watches, chatelaine fittings, vestas and sovereign cases. Turquoise was occasionally used to relieve the dark surface, but surviving examples combining the two materials are very uncommon.

Condition

Antique condition with period surface wear, light oxidation and areas of rubbing to the dark finish consistent with age. Three of the turquoise cabochons have been repaired or replaced at some point during the life of the piece and differ from the originals in colour - the replacements are noticeably paler and slightly larger in diameter than the remaining original deep blue-green stones. The hinge, press button catch and spring loaded sovereign pusher are all working correctly.

Approximate Measurements

• Diameter: 33mm [1.30in]
• Weight: 17.7g [0.62oz]
• Material: Patinated steel, brass, turquoise
• Date: Circa 1895-1910
• Mark: 96 to interior

Collector's Note

The dark gun metal surface combined with turquoise decoration belongs to a small and documented group of late Victorian and Edwardian personal accessories. Gun metal finish sovereign cases are considerably less often encountered than silver examples, and the addition of turquoise cabochon decoration makes this example rarer still. The last known closely related turquoise set gun metal colour sovereign case to appear at auction was catalogued in 2019.

Stock Code: C3063 - AG26-5

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