Typical of the types of ornament which appeared on small nineteenth century boxes is the decoration which embellished card cases, made mostly in Birmingham in great numbers during that century, for the carrying of personal visiting cards. The general measurements of these slender cases were approximately four inches long by three inches wide, and their covers were usually of the hinged slip-over variety. Hallmarks will generally be found on the exterior side of the rim at the top of the body which is concealed when the cover is closed. Decoration included a hand-engraved scene set against a concentric engine-turned background contained within a frame of scroll and foliate pattern, intermingled with more engine-turning and perhaps an architectural motif in each corner; repoussé work in high relief; shaped edges similar to those found on contemporary vinaigrettes; and scrolled cartouches in the centre of the case for the owner’s initials. Recent years have seen a sharp rise in prices, particularly for the ‘castle top’ card case, which depicts an important historical building, but others less in demand may still be bought for a reasonable sum. Towards the end of the nineteenth century a plainer style appeared, together with Art Nouveau inspired ornament and one or two revived styles. Card cases were also made in silver-gilt.

Vesta boxes

Vesta boxes are still among the lower-priced nineteenth century collectable objects, despite the fact that the more ornate varieties rise correspondingly in price. These utilitarian little boxes were originally designed to carry vesta matches safely, since when these first appeared they were extremely combustible. Incorporated in the case was a rasp upon which the match was struck. Vesta boxes were made in large quantities from around the middle of the century, and came mostly from Birmingham. Their hallmarks, like those on card cases, should be found on the outside rim of the main case which is concealed by the hinged cover when closed. Sometimes the case incorporated a small ring so that it could be suspended from a watch chain. Although many are quite plain, others may be decorated in elaborate patterns including engine-turned ornament, flat chasing, repoussé work and engraving. Various fanciful shapes were also produced.

Stamp boxes

Also still comparatively inexpensive, stamp boxes have a certain charm because of their Lilliputian size. They are among the numerous nineteenth century objects which at one time were of no importance at all to collectors, but which, with the growing interest in less expensiveitems, have gradually been included in the list of collectables. Look carefully for these tiny ‘envelope’ boxes on trays of small items displaying Victorian or early twentieth century jewellery, pieces of silver and so on. They are not easy to spot at a cursory glance because of their postage-stamp size, but are worth considering. They may have a ring fixed to them because they sometimes hung from a chatelaine.

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