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I just received a old match safe or card case not sure what it was used for but am I correct in finding it to be from 1800 to 1805, Birmingham, maker John Gilbert reg. 1868 Please let me know if I got this right and if not please tell me where I went wrong. Thanks so much. Regards Brad.

Hi Brad

The date of the safe box is 1906 assayed in Birmingham and made by Joseph Foster, I have several match safes made by Foster. Pieces assayed from 1784 to 1890 would show a duty mark which would be the head of the reigning monarch. So if your dates had been correct it would be the head of Queen Victoria. I believe that this duty was imposed to pay for the American War of Independence.



Keith

Thanks so much, I'm still new to this. I really appreciate your setting me right and I will keep on trying. God Bless. Regards Brad.

Hello.

I think Keith means Joseph Gloster, not Joseph Foster.

Pat.

Makes sense with the JG /Thanks to both of you for your time, I now can retire this piece to the china cabinet and go to work on another. I'm working on a perfume bottle, a very old pump type atomizer and have no idea as to who made it and I have been at it for over 6 month, not even sure it is solid silver or plate but that will be the next one I'll put up. Thanks again. God Bless. <>< Brad.

How did you know it was not John Gilbert? Please. because of the date?

Hi Brad,
There is a 38 year gap between Gilbert's registration and the marking of your piece. A career of that length is by no means unheard of, but it is not that common. When you note a time gap of that length, or even less, it makes sense to go in search of a maker (with a matching mark) that began his/her career at a later date.

Regards, Tom

I believe you will find this is a card case and not a vesta case... if I am correct there will be no rough surface on which to strike the vestas. Best wishes, Mike.

Ok I see and it makes sense to, I appreciate your help and wish I had your knowledge in silver but the only way that will come is lots of time in researching.
Thanks a bunch. Brad. <><

Thanks a bunch Mike I appreciate your help. Brad. <><

My apologies, I should have said Joseph Gloster. Mike thanks for correcting it. My dyslexia come out occasionally!

Keith

It is indeed a calling card case, and the curved shape is so it could be carried in a front pocket of the waistcoat or vest of a well-fed gentleman.

I love the last part of your post "A well fed gentleman" I am that I'm afraid, to much time behind the monitor and not enough time strolling off the gain. Thanks all I really appreciate your kindness. God Bless. Brad. <><