Two Victorian Mother of Pearl Clam Shell Boxes Etuis
Lot: 2581
Circa 1870 - 1880.
The first designed as an oversized fruit, on and within a silverplate foliate and vine stand, the blue silk lined lower body interior with two presentation glass scent bottles with silver caps, monogram to cap tops. The second, an etui, with gilt brass mounts incorporating a hinge and clasp, the shell top with silvered monogram. The lower body lined in pink silk brocaded, with a coral beaded and metal edge, holding small scale button hook, file and awl, each with mother of pearl handles.
Approximate dimensions: The first 5 1/2 H. x 6 1/8 W. x 3 D. The second 3 H. x 4 3/4 W. x 2 1/2 D..
Condition: The first with heavy patination to the silverplate minor scratching and wear staining and dirt to silk to interior, and minor tearing to that lining around area casing the bottles both bottles have original covers and caps. Caps with scratches, bottles dirty and dusty. The second with light scratching to gilt brass and to shell glue has dried holding the coral and metal edging so some of that is loose. Heavy patina to the tools.