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 a medium sized one, as these go, and is elegantly banded natural agate from chocolate to milk-white. A section on the lid is also quartz and adds interest along one edge, plus almost a bullseye there on lid.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. There are 7 thin-sawed and beveled edge plaques of the stone set in this one, elevated by another 4 round-cut agate feet. I can find a fine tight hairline to a rear panel of the body, marked with "x" for your review, but otherwise, excellent throughout. Measurements are noted on the photos and do include the feet. This one is 2 5/8" long, 1 3/4" wide and 1 5/8" tall on the round agate feet, which add to the measurement at base to 3" x 2 1/4".
