1901 Crocodile & Sterling Silver Wallet by Charles Penny Brown

An exceptional English crocodile wallet dating to 1901, made by Birmingham silversmith Charles Penny Brown. The exterior is finished in rich light brown crocodile leather with sterling silver trim and corner mounts, all showing the character and patina of more than a century of use.

The silver is fully hallmarked for Birmingham, 1901, including the lion passant for sterling silver, Birmingham anchor, date letter “F” and the maker’s mark “CPB” for Charles Penny Brown.

Inside, the wallet is lined in natural calf leather with a wonderfully simple arrangement of card and currency pockets. The contrast between the beautifully aged crocodile exterior, substantial silver fittings and clean leather interior makes this a particularly handsome example.

A remarkable piece of early 20th-century English craftsmanship that remains surprisingly usable today.

Details

• England, 1901
• Charles Penny Brown
• Light brown crocodile leather
• Sterling silver trim and corner mounts
• Birmingham sterling silver hallmarks
• Natural calf leather interior
• Approximately 3.75" W × 5.2" H
• Beautiful vintage condition with wear and patina consistent with age