Rare Antique Silver ‘Four Coin’ Sovereign Case (1904)

This rare, antique, sterling silver ‘four-coin’ sovereign case was made in Birmingham, England in 1904 by silversmiths ‘E J Houlston Ltd’ (Edwin Joseph) (E.J.H). The square shaped hinged case, with a sprung lid, features four sprung coin compartments, two for full sovereigns and two for half sovereigns and is entirely decorated with lovely, engraved acanthus scroll work, along with a round blank cartouche on the front. The push button appears to be faulty, but it still opens and closes well without the button, otherwise this fabulous case is in excellent condition. I believe this to be a very rare piece as I’ve never, after forty years of trading, come across a four-compartment sovereign case. It measures 5,7cm x 5,2cm (6,7cm with suspension ring) x 1,8cm and weighs 62g.