Backed with mother of pearl, the old castle/abbey shimmers as if light is passing through or reflecting from windows. These old eglomise souvenirs were popular for Grand Tour tourists as a memento of their architectural wanderings and this one represents an early manufacturing trade item, made in France for the English tourism market. Most of the early eglomise (back-painted glass) items depict Paris or at least French locations, but we do find them here and there for UK sites, as well. This is one such: Battle Abbey near Hastings, (UK). The little item is actually a potpourri, and would not likely have had an opaline glass insert. Meant to fill with flower petals to scent a room, this one has had a slightly crude old glass cut down to fit inside, but it is not original. I'll leave it, but the top is roughly cut, just so you understand the item in full.
Very good condition throughout, no damage at all to the painting under glass up top, nor to the body of the little souvenir. I've mentioned the issue of the milk glass (it's not opaline) which has been added to it somewhere along the line. Measurements are noted on our photos. A fun addition to your collection. For myself, I would remove the glass, fill with rose petals.
