mark of Deakin & Francis, Birmingham 1894, of rectangular form with scrolled edges, the piano hinged cover engraved with two initials, gilt washed interior, the inner edge engraved, 'THORNHILL, BOND St LONDON', 7.5 x 4.5cm, 2.5ozt Provenance: Julians Park, Hertfordshire Footnote: The company of Thornhill can trace its roots back to the early 18th century. It built a great reputation for the quality of its work, winning a prize medal at the Great Exhibition of 1851, the International Exposition of 1855 in Paris, the International Exhibition of 1862 and then multiple medals at the International Exposition of 1878 in Paris. Thornhill acquired the Royal warrants of appointment to Queen Victoria and the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as other members of the Royal family.