Stunning Antique Victorian Silver Presentation Coin Purse / Card Case Dated December 1, 1856 – An Exquisite 170-Year-Old Piece of Social History Up for sale is a beautiful, highly detailed mid-19th-century Victorian presentation purse and dance card/calling card case. This exquisite personal accessory features a deeply engraved, scenic architectural landscape on one side, surrounded by intricate scrollwork and borders. The reverse side tells a wonderful personal story, featuring a central shield/cartouche monogrammed with the original owner’s initials, topped with a crisp, bright-cut presentation engraving celebrating a 10th Wedding Anniversary: Tenth Marriage anniversary Dec 1. 1856 (commemorating an original wedding date of December 1, 1846). Design & Construction Details. Artisan Assembly Marks: The interior upper scalloped rim features a hand-etched cursive workshop benchmark reading h. & h, used by the silversmith during the mid-1800s manufacturing process to align the hand-fitted halves. Interior Architecture: The case opens to reveal its original, authentic expanding accordion-style silk/satin pockets once used to hold calling cards, dance scheduling slips, or banknotes. It retains its original central metal tension tab/spring bar mechanism. Clasp: Features a highly ornate, figural thumb-button push clasp that remains completely intact. Condition Report: This item is in vibrant antique condition with incredible historical character. The exterior silver has developed a gorgeous, deep, dark-contrast original patina in the recesses, highlighting the magnificent engraving work. There are no major dents or structural breaks to the frame. The interior fabric shows expected, authentic age-related wear, fraying, and staining consistent with a 170-year-old textile, adding immense historical charm. The hinge is sturdy and functions well. (Please review all macro photographs for a precise look at the condition). An exceptional addition to any Victorian silver, mourning, or social history collection! Important Note Regarding Metal Composition & Hallmarks: Please note that this exquisite 1856 piece does not feature stamped modern silver hallmarks (such as “925” or “Sterling”), which was highly common for luxury personal accessories manufactured in America and continental Europe during the mid-19th century. Instead, it features a handwritten artisan workshop benchmark h. & h on the inner rim. While it has not been chemically acid-tested to preserve its historical finish, it displays all the characteristics, deep tarnish patina, and crisp bright-cut engraving typical of high-quality solid coin silver or antique sterling silver from the 1850s.