A sterling silver business card case with a stamped alligator skin pattern running throughout.  This is an exquisite example of a large sized business or "calling card" case from Victorian England.  This size, that comfortably fits both credit card and business cards is much harder to find as the average width of a calling card from this time was much more narrow.

The body of the both the front and back of the case and the hinged lid has been stamped with an alligator pattern throughout, which due to this process also shows through the inside when open.  The alligator or crocodile skin became a symbol of luxury in the West as wealthy people began to venture on 'World Tours', making luggage and luxurious accessories from spoils of the hunt, or "trophies". This is why these types of prints began to be sen across a variety of objects.

The lid is a classic "piano" style pinned through the side.  The hinge is tight, and closes seamlessly matching the scales from the top and the bottom perfectly.

Cases such as these make for beautiful wallets today.  They allow a number of credit cards, ID and any other card needed on a regular basis to be carried in a neat, clean and tidy way.  They also prevent the risk of contactless cards being cloned while in the pocket.

The card case was made in Birmingham, England, in 1903.  It has the makers marks of W. H. S for William Henry Sparrow.   They were a fairly large scale silversmith in Birmingham producing a very wide variety of objets. This is certainly reflected in the quality and beauty of this piece.  The condition of the piece is exceptional, and shows no signs of damage.  There is a period and very beautifully hand engraved monogram on one side which appears to contain the letters C DM. The stamping of the scales is all strong and proud throughout the piece.