This is a novelty Edwardian Sterling Silver pin cushion in the form of a hatching chick, by the illustrious silversmiths Sampson Mordan & Co, & fully hallmarked for Chester 1907.

The pin cushion is designed as a newly hatched chick sitting in half an egg shell, & is beautifully detailed, with the chicks back being the cushion, which is finished in the original red velvet.

The chick is 'weighted' in such a way that, should it be knocked over, it will 'right' itself.

The pin cushion is fully hallmarked with the makers mark 'SM & Co' (for Sampson Mordan & Co Ltd), the lion passant (925 sterling), the wheatsheafs (Chester), & the date letter 'g' (1907 - 08). It also carries the Registered Design No. 475678, which dates the actual design to 1906.

The Chester Assay Office closed in 1962.

Condition is great for it's 101 years, there are 2 small, shallow bruises (1 on the base, the other on the L/H side egg shell) but these are minor & do not detract in any way. The pile on the cushion is very worn, as would be expected. Please see magnified photos.

The chick is large for a novelty pin cushion, & measures approx 5cm from beak to tail, & stands approx 4.8cm high ( approx 2" x just under 2").

All in all, scarce, large, 101 year old figural pin cushion, by a famous maker, in great condition