Does anyone see anything else in these marks other than...

[aagallen]

I inherited this small sterling box from my mother. I've recreated the marks as they are so tiny they don't photograph well. Does anyone see anything else in these marks other than British Sterling - Birmingham - Nathaniel Mills - 1851? Why both sterling markers (silhouette and lion)? Or do these mean something else? Any idea what this was used for? It has script engraved initials W.A.R. on the top. Thanks for your help!

[Hose_dk]

silhuette of monarc is not telling you that it is silver. The monarcs head represent the payment of tax.
Or duty - you can have a item marked silver but you only get this mark when the taxes are payed. No mark is set just for the fun of it - every mark had its different menings and purpose.

[fatso]

to quote from Bradbury's Book of Hallmarks: The Soverein's Head showed that duty has been paid on the item. It appeared on all articles made between 2nd December 1784 & 30th April 1890, except for articles except etc. Thus it is possible to have a victorian silver with Vicky's head and without, as the old girl lived until 1901.

[jofour]

This looks as if I was made to be a snuff box, for a gentleman.

[byron mac donald]

Mybe it is an import tax stamp?

[georgiansilver]

Your question has been answered and you have a very nice snuff box by a very sought after maker....needless to say quite handsome as an objet d'art. Suggest that you take to a reputable Auction House...Sothebys, Christies, Bonhams to get a their opinion. Best wishes. Mike