Queen Anne 1711 fob holder

[Jacqui]

Hi I have what looks like a coin box/fob made with 1711 Queen Ann coins. Can anyone one tell me anything about this please, and how would I open it?

thank you! 

[Paddy]

Nice curiosity! What size is it? Difficult to see what denomination of Queen Anne coin has been used.

I think we would need to see pics of the edge and hinge (if any) to guess how to open it. It may just be a push fit that has become too tight, or there may have been a catch on the opposite edge to the ring. I have also seen things where the ring mount itself can be pulled or twisted to unlock the box. Some tobacco boxes just required squeezing in a particular direction. Could be almost anything!

 

[Jacqui]

Hi Paddy, thank you for such a quick reply. I should have put the size, sorry. The coin part is approx 2cm. I cant see a hinge as such, hre are re edge pics.

 

[Peckris 2]

That size would make it a shilling. The one that's dated 1711 is the "no E" type (E is for Edinburgh where many of the post-Union - England and Scotland - coins were minted, and the E would be below the bust). The other shilling we can't see the date of, but it's a "plain angles" type - i.e. there is just blank space between the shields of the royal arms; the alternative would be roses or plumes between them.

Edited yesterday at 10:15 AM by Peckris 2

[Paddy]

Thanks @Jacqui for the edge pictures.

With the knurling on the edges I would think this one will unscrew, the ridges offering the extra grip necessary to make the twist.

If/when you get it open, you may be able to see the other sides of the shillings.

PS - if you find you can't get it to unscrew, try a little 3in1 oil in the joins.

Edited yesterday at 10:53 AM by Paddy
Added PS

[Jacqui]

Thank you both. It is soaking now, wil let you know how I get on.

 

[Citizen H]

it could be a snuff box,  just a thought...... very interesting.  👍

[Jacqui]

Ah, it may be. I'v been thinking about what else it may have bee, like a tape measure or something or just a fob, its the slot that is bothering me.

[Paddy]

I think a snuff box is unlikely. A screw fit is too likely to clog up and too fiddly to open for a regular snuff taker.

A tape measure is a good call, in which case it may be very difficult to take apart.