Historical information
The hallmarks on this silver cigarette case indicate that the object was made in Birmingham (anchor hallmark), is Stirling silver (lion hallmark), and was made 1900 (a hallmark) by the Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co. (makers mark hallmark). The Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co. was established in 1890-1891 at Fenchurch Street, London, forming an alliance with Sheffield cutler R F Mosley in 1900 before later moving to Birmingham. Dates of the exact move to Birmingham differ from site to site.
Significance
The hallmarks on this object make it significant in the representation of silver wares made by the Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co. which, when added to the other pieces of information available about this manufacturer, add to the information and history available. As the Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co. was based in England, this is of international significance.
The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.
Physical description
A small rectangular case silver in colour, with gold wash on the inside. The case has a clasp along one edge, a swirling floral design on its top, and two brown elastic straps on the inside.
Inscriptions & markings
AC [over] MCo / Anchor symbol / Lion symbol / a [Hallmark inside case, lower LHS]
Lion symbol / a [Hallmark inside case, upper RHSD]
Subjects
References
- DATE LETTERS - 1773 TO 2023 Hallmark information (date hallmarks) from the Birmingham Assay Office
- Hallmark identification
- COMPULSORY MARKS
- OPTIONAL MARKS: TRADITIONAL MARKS
- Silver Makers' Marks - Birmingham Assay Office (A)
- Alexander Clark Manufacturing Company Limited
- THE ALEXANDER CLARK MANUFACTURING CO
- A history of gilding with particular reference to statuary More information on gold wash/Fire gilding
- Silver Collections care for silver
- Metals: Preventative Conservation