Antique Victorian Tortoise Shell Needle or Thimble Case, Knife Box Style - Tortoiseshell
Superb little treasure box - an English Victorian knife-box shaped miniature casket that would have been fitted out to hold a thimble or perhaps needles, though this one is not at this time fitted for either. Beautiful old shell veneer in fine condition, throughout - even the bottom wants to be displayed, it's so beautiful, all that mottled cognac to chocolate coloration. Good to very good condition for age and type. The box has a tight hinge, working clasp but the lid catch has been lost to time, along with that little strip of ivory lip. No warping or chips/cracks to deal with. It's a fabulous display piece. I suspect this one was fitted with a padded mound over which a thimble would have rested. Could certainly be easily refitted to hold your favorite antique rings.