In the style of the Victorian French and English silver pique-worded jewelry caskets, trays, and vanity sets that utilized fine natural tortoise shell, but this is faux shell. (Please remember, impossible to do a full ring of tortoise shell without a visible seam, it's absolutely the casein "faux" shell). Beautifully crafted, the silver attached by tiny silver pins (see interior). There is a scripted monogram "R" worked into the shield on one side.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. We'd put this one c.1860-90, when such imitation casein-based (milk proteins) were being used out of France. Please, if you wish to wear this one, keep in mind your hand will need to squish to a width of 2.75" to get it on. It is not hinged, is a big wide bangle. I guess I have rather larger hands, and I've never been able to wear this one, but do display it. Beautiful old thing, isn't it. RARE.
