Antique Victorian Period Mother of Pearl and Abalone Shell Calling Card Case (Code 1921)

A Victorian period calling card case with mother of pearl and abalone shell. This example has a diamond panel shape with the abalone insets to both sides. It has a push button to release the cap and a hinged lid. The interior has a blue fabric lining to keep the cards clean and there is a white metal panel to the top which was intended for personalisation with initials. These were of course used for calling cards and presenting your card at a residence or business was common practice during the 19th and early 20th century. This example likely dates around 1870.

This case is part of a recently acquired single owner collection. The predominant feature of the collection is the iridescent quality of the shells, with some particularly fine structural colours of the nacre. The colour and iridescence does of course change with the light and incident angle, so multiple images have been taken to try and give a sense of how it varies, all shot under halogen light.



Condition

Minor wear and the odd tiny nick. Latch and hinge fine. The shell is of course a natural material and as such has minor flaws. See images for overall look and presentation.


Measurements (Approx)

Width: 5.3 cm ( 2 1/8 inches )

Height: 8.7 cm ( 5 1/2 inches )

Weight: 42 grams (before packing).



Stock Code: 1921 OC19-2