I've had this piece for a long time - I've tried my best to nail down the exact date and have come up with 1850 - 1851. This guy Dennison had an interesting history and was apparently a world traveler manufacturing in many countries. I will do my best to describe this piece.
From my research over the years I know that the piece was made in Birmingham England which put the date right. On the inside "C" upper part of the coin holder it is inscribed Made in England Gold Cased Guaranteed To Wear 20 Years. Very clear although I used a loop to view it. (I'm old)
On the inside cover it is inscribed Trademark A.L.D. Dennison Watch Case Co. and the serial numbers 16545 13 which by research dates it to 1850-51. On one side of the inside to the left of the markings there is some rub or wear on the inside of the cover. It measures about 1/2 inch long. I had to really look to find it when shooting the pictures so that I didn't miss anything.
There is also 3 symbols Sun Crescent Moon and a Star also indicating that it is gold filled - the mechanism works perfectly to hold a coin and I have a 1965 English 6 pence inside the holder and it fits snuggly in there. Very little value to that coin but I will leave it in there nonetheless just for show. The Sun indicates inside and outside layers of 14 carat gold to wear for 25 years There is much information available on the internet in regard to these markings and it would seem to be a bit confusing but I will say at 168 years it held up to it's promise. I inside of the case is pristine.
The case snap shut very tightly - I mean very tightly. The loop holding the case to a chain or fob is minty.
The outside of the case has a wonderful paisley like design on both sides - on the front there are initials engraved although I do not know the letters. I have never been good at reading english script and have tried to shoot the picture to the best of my ability..I would say that the exterior of the case is in excellent condition with now wear to the design.
Now here's the bad news - the pin that sits on the top of the case is missing.. So once the case is closed - trust me - it's shut. I have shot the pictures with the case closed and will ship it that way. I have never tried to have it fixed so I have no idea what it would cost to repair it. It has never bothered me as on the few occasions I wore it I simple ran a chain thru the loop and wore it as a pendant. You will have to decide for yourself wether or not to repair the item.
Now on victorian coin cases - yes there are some kicking around - the majority of ones I have seen over the years have been silver in nature. I have seen very few in gold and generally not in this ornate of a design. It's basically 168 years old. The hinge is perfect with no wear and I have to assume that once the pin was missing it was resigned to a drawer hence so perfect of a condition.
If I have missed something or you would like a different picture I can try to do that for you so don't hesitate to ask. It's a little pricey of an object so I want to make sure your happy with your purchse.
I will ship this one fully insured with signature required for delivery.
