St. George's Church Clifton Card Case, 1847

This is an extremely rare and probably unique Victorian silver card case depicting St. George's Church in Bristol (see final image for a plate etching of the church). It would have been especially commissioned to be made by the master box maker Nathaniel Mills in 1847 for presentation to the local vicar.

The front of the card case is engraved with a view of the Church, and inscribed "How amiable are thy tabernacles O Lord of hosts!" (Psalm 84:1) and 'A day in thy courts is better than a thousand" (Psalm 84:10).

The obverse is engraved with a bible on a cushion, and inscribed "Feed My Sheep" (John 21:20), and "Lo I am with you alway even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20) , and "A remembrance to my much esteemed and faithful Pastor Rev. R.L. Hopper, 1st January 1848". The borders of both sides and the edges of the box are engraved with a foliate design. The card case is in excellent, crisp condition throughout.

St. George's Church is located on Brandon Hill in Clifton, was designed by Sir Robert Smirke and built in the early 1820's. Since 1999, it has been used as a concert venue. The Reverend Ralph L. Hopper was inducted to the vicarage of St. George's in 1844 and was formerley at Pittville, Cheltenham. He was a vocal abolitionist of the slave trade.