Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Dresser Set from Birmingham, England (1832

This unique English Sterling Silver Dresser Set from Birmingham has survived Wars, Currency Devaluations, and the massive melting of much of England's precious Sterling Silver heritage over the decades. How did it survive? We are unsure, but found this set in an obscure San Francisco store in the early 1990's. It possibly survived the Sutter's Mill pandemonium of the 1840's as well, and avoided being melted down in order to be used and appreciated by future generations. The Birmingham, England Hallmark (an anchor) is dated to 1832 according to our guides.

We were told that many Englishmen joined in the San Francisco Gold Rush Fever of 1849 (the "49'ers"), and that — because the U.S. was on the Gold / Silver standard — anything like Sterling or Constitutional Silver was used in place of scarce coinage. Speculators and prospectors could travel with their family's Sterling Silver and — if funds were needed for prospecting, land claims, surveying, subsistence, etc. — it could be easily melted down or used as a pawn. The Pound Sterling was the world's reserve currency, of predictable value and weight, and could be used for trade and barter quite easily.

This set consists of 9 distinct pieces, including a rouge jar and tray; a shoe horn, a Lady's hair brush, two gentleman's brushes, a mirror, a gentleman's whisk brush, and a fingernail buffer. The set does not include the serving tray we use to keep it on.

Interestingly, many of the pieces have a monogram with the letter combinations "VRMcN" (if we are deciphering it correctly). These letters are engraved in the Victorian swirls and curlicues (see close up photo). "V" and "R" may stand for Victoria Regina... but the "Mc" and "N" have us befuddled...