1904 Sterling Silver Lidded Glass Trinket Box – Robert Pringle & Sons

Chester Silver Trinket Box – Robert Pringle & Sons, 1904

A beautiful Edwardian Chester silver trinket box with a glass body, hallmarked in Chester in 1904 and made by the renowned silversmiths Robert Pringle & Sons. The raised sterling silver lid features an elegant floral and scrolling design, centred by a clean, blank cartouche that would be ideal for personal engraving.

The decorative lid is richly detailed with scrolling foliage, delicate daisies and raised floral motifs, giving the piece an attractive and highly decorative appearance. The box itself is crafted from finely faceted glass, creating an impressive play of light across the sides and base. The interior of the silver lid retains its original gold gilt finish, adding a luxurious contrast to the silver exterior.

Condition

This Chester silver trinket box comes in great condition given its age and use, with only very light dimples to the rim of the silver lid in places. The glass is in good overall condition, with minimal signs of very small chips.

There are five very small holes to the centres of two of the flowers on the silver lid — four to one flower and one to the other — where the silver has worn through slightly with age. Please study the photographs carefully for a detailed view of the condition.

Hallmarks and Measurements

Fully Hallmarked:

• Maker: Robert Pringle & Sons
• Assay Office: Chester
• Date: 1904
• Metal: Sterling Silver

Measurements:

• Height: 4cm
• Length: 8cm
• Width: 3.3cm
• Silver Lid Weight: 18.20g

About This Chester Silver Trinket Box

A particularly attractive Edwardian silver and glass box, combining finely detailed silverwork with beautifully faceted glass. The ornate floral decoration, original gilt interior and blank central cartouche make this a charming and highly collectable piece, with the added possibility of personalised engraving.

About Robert Pringle & Sons

The firm began in 1835, when Robert Pringle, a jeweller who had trained in Perth, Scotland, set up a workshop in Clerkenwell, London. It later became known for its Wilderness Works premises, producing fancy silver goods, glassware, clocks and watches for home and export markets. The name Robert Pringle & Sons was adopted in 1899, only a few years before this piece was made.

Why Chester Hallmarks Appeal to Collectors

Chester’s assay office has a long history, and its town mark of three wheatsheaves and a sword is a favourite among collectors of British silver. The office closed in 1962, which means no new silver has been marked there for decades. That gives a Chester silver trinket box like this one an extra point of interest, alongside its decoration and its well known maker.

Using and Displaying Your Trinket Box

At 8cm long and 4cm high, this Chester silver trinket box is ideal for rings, earrings, cufflinks or small keepsakes on a dressing table. It would also sit nicely in a cabinet with other Edwardian silver and glass. With a name, initials or a special date engraved on the cartouche, it would make a thoughtful gift for a birthday, anniversary or wedding.

Caring for Your Silver and Glass

Clean the silver lid gently with a soft silver polishing cloth, taking particular care around the flowers and avoiding the gilt interior. Wash the glass body by hand in warm water and dry it thoroughly, and never put either part in a dishwasher. Keep your Chester silver trinket box in a dry place, away from damp, to help slow tarnishing.

Delivery and Returns

Free UK delivery on this item, carefully packed and sent Royal Mail Tracked, dispatched within 1–2 working days. All items, including pre-owned items, can be returned within 30 days. Gift orders can be sent directly to a different address with no prices included in the parcel.

Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and condition report.

See more in our Antique Silver collection or browse all of our Antiques.