Rare Antique Silver Royal Armorial Menu Holder Royalty Cipher Crown Coat Arms UK

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Rare Antique Silver Royal Armorial Menu Holder Royalty Cipher Crown Coat Arms UK:
$573.71

This exceedingly rare and historically significant original c.1896 H.M. King Edward VII period royal sterling silver place card/menu holder is an exceptional artifact of British aristocratic dining culture, featuring a masterfully hand-engraved coat of arms/cipher for a British Earl or Baron. This museum-quality, one-of-a-kind piece, crafted in solid sterling silver, exemplifies the elegance and refinement of Victorian-era noble dining traditions, making it a highly collectible piece of royal and aristocratic silverware.

The original hallmarks for London 1896, along with the maker's mark of William Richard Corke, confirm its authenticity and fine craftsmanship. The coat of arms/cipher, engraved with bold precision, remains in exceptional condition, highly pronounced and detailed. This piece measures 42mm in height, 60mm in length, and 25mm in width, with a solid silver weight of 24.55 grams, demonstrating its fine quality and durability. The crown/coronet of an Earl, prominently featured above the engraving, further attests to its aristocratic provenance. Additionally, the inscription "Vincent Veritas" (Latin for "Truth Conquers") adds a deeply symbolic and noble touch, reflecting the values upheld by the titled family to whom it once belonged.

Sterling silver place card and menu holders were an essential feature of formal British aristocratic dining in the late 19th century, used during grand banquets, royal feasts, and prestigious gatherings. This particular example, dating to the Edwardian period (when Edward VII was still Prince of Wales), would have likely been part of an exclusive silver service belonging to a high-ranking noble family, possibly linked to the British royal household or an influential peer of the realm.

This authentic and historically invaluable aristocratic silver artifact is an exceptional acquisition for collectors of royal and noble memorabilia, British silverware, and historical dining accessories. With its outstanding provenance, original condition, and masterful craftsmanship, this hand-engraved royal sterling silver place card/menu holder is a prestigious addition to museum collections, historical archives, or distinguished private holdings. It serves as a tangible connection to the grandeur of Victorian and Edwardian high society, encapsulating the opulence, heraldry, and refined traditions of British nobility at the height of the empire.