Victorian Silver Box with Monogram Design, Hamilton & Inches, Edinburgh 1893

Victorian silver box with ornate monogram design to top (possibly J M). Hallmarked for Hamilton & Inches, Edinburgh 1893.

The box has a couple of dimples and the base has signs of wear. Otherwise, it is very good condition with clear hallmarks to base and lid.

Hamilton and Inches is one of Scotland’s leading jewellers. The business was founded in 1866 by Robert Kirk Inches (later Lord Provost of Edinburgh) and his uncle, James Hamilton. It was first granted a Royal Warrant more than 120 years ago, appointed “His Majesty’s Clockmaker and Keeper and Dresser of His Majesty’s Clocks, Watches and Pendulums in Palaces and Houses in his Ancient Kingdom of Scotland.” In 2010 it was appointed “Silversmiths and Clock Specialists to her Majesty The Queen.”

The firm registered its own maker‘s mark with the Edinburgh Assay Office in 1866. Its first premises were at 90A Princes Street, Edinburgh. It moved to 87 George Street in 1952. In 1992, the Inches sold the firm to the luxury group Asprey of London, but then in 1998, after a management buy-out, it was returned an independent company. It is now the only Scottish manufacturing goldsmiths company to survive from 19th century.