BRITISH ANTIQUE STERLING SILVER FIGURAL LION PAW PLACE CARD HOLDERS "THE DENE"

Description

Amazing hand made presentation sterling silver place card holders for "The Dene", most likely a club or estate. There are figural lion paws holding a shield with a rosette in the center, and engraved "The Dene" at the top. The lower rope turned base is engraved "From W.B. Aprl 29, 1893". These are handmade, as one is slightly different height than the other... the paw is slightly taller. The only mark is a maker mark "BN" on the back of the easel stand. I am assuming these to be commissioned pieces in England, since of the lion paw motif. I could not find a maker mark BN listed. Guaranteed to be sterling silver. These are in the original fitted presentation case. The case shows wear from age and the closing clasp is missing. The pieces measure approximately 2 5/8" by 3 1/8" across. The weight for the two is a substantial 97.1 grams for the two, Heavy for the size. Excellent condition, one tiny tiny little ding on the corner of one shield. Otherwise perfect. I have never seen another set like this before. Very rare and beautiful.