Judith Miller on Nathaniel Mills silver boxes

Judith Miller on the beautiful boxes produced by 19th century silversmiths Nathaniel Mills & Sons.

ABOVE (left-right): Card case by Nathaniel Mills & Sons featuring the Houses of Parliament, 1846, £1,000-£1,500; Vinaigrette case by Nathaniel Mills & Sons with York Minster design and foliate border, 1842, £3,000-£4,000.

Nathaniel Mills & Sons was a 19th century company of silversmiths in Birmingham, well known for producing high quality silver boxes. It was one of Britain’s most prestigious makers of ‘castle top’ boxes, which feature pictures of famous (or sometimes obscure) buildings or landmarks, such as St Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament and Windsor Castle; although not all were castles, many were – hence the generic name. They were decorated by repoussé (hammered from behind to create a low relief design) or using a die-stamp.

Boxes were made primarily in the form of card cases, snuff boxes and vinaigrette cases. The latter has a hinged lid that opens to reveal a pierced grill, which is also hinged; underneath that would be a small sponge soaked in a sweet-smelling oil, and the interior would be gilded to prevent the silver from staining. Both men and women used vinaigrette cases, generally while travelling, to provide a pleasant aroma as a distraction from the foul smells of the city streets or unwashed travelling companions, both of which were common in the 1800s.

ABOVE (left-right): Card case with Abbotsford design to front (not shown) and Windsor Castle verso (pictured), Nathaniel Mills & Sons, 1837, £1,000-£1,500; Nathaniel Mills & Sons vinaigrette case with a view of St Paul’s Cathedral, 1850, £1,000-£1,500.

The originator of the brand, Nathaniel Mills I, registered his mark in 1803 – when he was a partner in jewellers Mills & Langston – from a new address in Caroline Street, Birmingham. When Nathaniel I died in 1840, he was succeeded by his sons Nathaniel II, William and Thomas; it was under their direction that business really took off, and the firm’s most collectable boxes were produced during this period. William and Thomas designed many of the pieces made after the death of their father; Nathaniel II, meanwhile, introduced several new techniques, such as engine-turning, stamping and casting, and became known for successfully adapting them to this industry. William died in 1853, and with him the family trade.

ABOVE: Cigarette case by Alfred Clark with the cipher of King George V and Queen Mary in enamels, £1,200-£1,800.

Tips for collectors

• Other 19th century Birmingham makers to look for include David Pettifer, Hilliard & Thomason, F Marsden, and Alfred Taylor (pieces by whom are comparatively rare, so if in good condition are extremely valuable); and from the 20th century, Alfred Clark, of London.
• Prices can start as low as £200 for a snuff box; but be prepared to pay upwards of £1,000 for a fine quality card case.
• Quality silver is a real investment, so make sure that you always buy from reputable silver dealers, such as Daniel Bexfield Antiques of London (020 7491 1720, bexfield.co.uk) or Alastair Dickenson Ltd (020 7839 2808; alastairdickenson.co.uk).

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WORDS JUDITH MILLER PHOTOGRAPHS TENNANTS; DREWEATTS
All valuations and estimates correct at time of publishing
Featured in the February 2012 issue of Period Living

Buy Judith Miller’s Antiques Handbook & Price Guide 2012-2013