Origin of the box is German (Idar-Oberstein), the area referred to as the valley of agate. These 19th century boxes, superbly crafted specimen stone set in ormolu framework and up on ball agate feet, were fabulously well-received as Grand Tour souvenirs, still highly sought after today. While the gemstone industry got its start with local mined stone, stone from around the world went into these boxes by end of 1800s. A cluster of them makes a superb desktop display, and in a lighted cabinet - magical. This is an average sized one, as these go, and is elegantly banded natural agate from creamy dark amber to orange to milk-white.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. There are 6 thin-sawed and beveled edge plaques of the stone set in this one, elevated by another 4 round-cut agate feet. I can find the tiniest nip to a rear lid corner, but otherwise, excellent throughout. Measurements are noted on the photos and do include the feet. This one is nearly 3" long.
