Inlaid tortoiseshell toothpick case

Description

Inlaid tortoiseshell toothpick case. Item 4779.In the centre of the lid of this tortoiseshell toothpick case is a domed glass covering a cameo like image of a person’s head. The glass sits in an oval silver frame from which hang two Inlaid swags of stylized silver leaves. The thumbpiece and the edge mounts are gilt brass, with the inside of the base being lined in silk and the lid containing a mirror. It measures 83 mm (3.25 inches) in width, 25 mm (1 inch) in depth and stands 13 mm (.5 of an inch) high. There is a shallow flake taken from the front that measures roughly 6 mm (.25 of an inch) square, and some scratches to the glass cabochon. It dates from around 1820.