Case Antiques

Rare Tennessee coin silver calling card case. Scalloped sides with engine turned geometric design to front and back, front has center cartouche engraved "L.J. Greenough". Hinged lid. Marked under lid: "Coin" on one side and on the other side, "HOPE" with masonic emblem (David Large Hope, b. 1799 at Ramsey Plantation, outside Knoxville, d. 1869). According to Tennessee Silversmiths by Benjamin Caldwell, Hope apprenticed in Huntsville, Ala. and returned to Knoxville by 1828, the year he received he degree of Master Mason at Mt. Libanus Lodge, Knoxville. Hope purchased the conents of Samuel Bell’s silversmithing shop when Bell moved to Texas around 1852, and remained acive in the silversmithing and jewelry business until 1869. Minor pitting, tarnish reside around hinge, overall excellent condition. 3 1/2" x 2 1/4". 1.535 oz troy. Knoxville, Tennessee circa 1860.