You know, I found this American made figural Victorian era toothpick holder in France. It's not the typical thing I stock but it was just too wonderful to pass by. It would have originally been silver plated, as noted in the stamp on base that includes maker, Reed & Barton, but most if not all of the figure shows now as the white metal that underlies the old silver plate. I think that makes him even more appealing. Initially I looked at it and thought of a Black Forest gnome figure, that long beard. But I'm sure it is Atlas holding up the world, instead. Still, it'll go well with my Black Forest accented home(s) and on my own table until you collectors find it and buy it away from me. I just love using these wonderful old things! This one dates mid-1800s and is 3.5" tall.
Very good condition for age and type, as noted above it has lost much of the old Reed & Barton silver plating, making it all the more appealing in my opinion. No bends, no breaks, no dents at all. I didn't do anything to polish the item. I like him just exactly as you see him. Base is 2.5" x 1.5" oval and hasn't a single ding nor dent on it. A couple of pointed dings on the one side of the ball or globe, visible in our images. The holes are not all exactly the same. But the picks, either toothpick or hors d'oeuvre picks fit nicely. My photographer just stuck some toothpicks in but they can be set in to fan out more nicely for your table. It is 3.5" tall.
