Antique 1905c Adie & Lovekin Sterling Silver Etched Stamp Holder Fob Pendant

A wonderfully charming piece of Edwardian-era silver, this antique sterling silver envelope stamp holder dates to 1905 and was crafted by the renowned Birmingham silversmiths Adie & Lovekin Ltd.

 

Designed more than 120 years ago as a miniature postage stamp holder, this delightful little piece takes the form of a tiny envelope—an ingenious and beautifully decorative accessory from an age when handwritten correspondence was very much a part of everyday life.

 

The front is especially lovely, intricately hand engraved with scrolling foliate motifs and leafy flourishes, arranged around the overlapping sections of the envelope. Even the triangular flap has been decorated, giving the piece the appearance of a miniature ornamental letter waiting to be opened.

 

Lift the flap and the clever construction is revealed, complete with its original hinged interior compartment designed to safely hold postage stamps. The reverse is equally attractive, richly engraved around a central shield-shaped cartouche, which remains free from personal engraving—an appealing detail for collectors and one that leaves the possibility of adding a personal monogram if desired.

 

The piece bears its Adie & Lovekin Ltd maker's mark together with English silver hallmarks dating it to 1905, providing wonderful provenance and placing it firmly within the Edwardian period.

 

Originally intended as a practical little accessory or fob, today it makes an exceptionally beautiful and unusual antique pendant. Suspended from a fine silver chain, Albert chain or charm necklace, its miniature envelope shape looks wonderfully distinctive and carries a lovely sense of nostalgia.

There is also something inherently romantic about an antique envelope pendant—a tiny reminder of handwritten letters, secret messages, love notes and correspondence from another era. It would make a particularly meaningful gift for a writer, letter lover, philatelist or collector of unusual antique silver.

 

DETAILS

 

•  Full English Birmingham hallmarks are present, including a date stamp for the year 1905 and makers mark for Adie & Lovekin Ltd.
•  Measures approx 30mm X 22mm, not including the bale. 
•  Weighs 4.68 grams.

 

*PLEASE NOTE: The chain shown in photos is for DISPLAY ONLY, and is not included with the sale of the pendant. 

 

CONDITION

 

Good preloved antique condition with some signs of wear, commensurate with the age of this piece.  There is a superficial dent present to the front face/front edge of the pendant. The intricate etched details are nicely preserved.  The shield cartouche remains blank, perfect for future personalisation if desired. 

 

Please note

 

We usually leave our vintage, antique and preloved jewellery unpolished to suit buyer preference, however we are more than happy to polish any items upon request. For pieces consisting of delicate materials or components such as enamel, opal or pearls, we will polish gently only with a soft cloth to ensure preservation and originality of the piece.  Please leave a note at checkout, or contact us prior to purchase to request your items to be polished before being sent to you.