Extremely rare sterling silver rectangular box with concealed hinged lid and gilt interior, decorated with 72 Great Britain 3 Pence pieces ("Three Penny Bits"), marked for London 1878, maker James Barclay Hennell.
James Barclay Hennell was the fith generation of Hannell Silversmiths. In 1736 goldsmith David Hennell, James Barclay's great great grandfather, founded the company which went on to become one of London’s best-known jewellers with a long and illustrious history. The firm made and sold objects for the European royalty and nobility including Admiral Lord Nelson who commissioned a silver day cabin service to use on board HMS Victory and Queen Victoria. The firm was sold in 1887 to Holland, Aldwinckle & Slater. James Barclay Hannell was know for making novelty items including beakers and tankards inset with silver coins.
Size: 1 ½ h x 5 ⅜ w x 3 ⅜ d in
C19916