Mother of Pearl Iridescent Victorian Calling Card Case - Antique c1870 (Code 1927)

A Victorian period calling card case with diamond and triangular mother of pearl panels. The maker has laid the panels in alternate directions to give the patterned effect you can see in the images with the iridescence flowing in different planes. The edge panels on this example are of a different material. It has a push button to release the cap and a hinged lid. The interior has a red fabric lining to help keep the cards clean. These cases 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

Normal age related wear, some minor natural flaws as expected. A couple of small scrapes down one edge.


Measurements (Approx)

Width: 7.6 cm ( 3 inches )

Height: 10 cm ( 3 7/8 inches )

Weight: 48 grams (before packing).



Stock Code: 1927 OC19-2