While it no longer has the implements which once filled the open compartments inside, this beautifully crafted c.1840-70 English case has survived in true beauty and near completeness. Butterflies, florals flow across the top and full front and the complimenting cognac to chocolate natural tortoise shell on the remaining 3 sides. I've shown it from all sides, views. It displays with such elegance and has been one of my own collection pieces for decades. Time to disburse. Measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, all of that gorgeous craftsmanship/art of marquetry and only 1 small flower lower left front and one on back right of lid have been lost. The tortoise shell is so beautifully mottled, and no real chips or damage there. The original fitted interior would have once held a notepad/needle case/flat in that long opening, a thimble to the left (square) and the other square has a flat shelf inside it about 5/8" from top. I'm uncertain what that might have held, really. As I look at it very closely, it seems possible it had a small inkwell there, and perhaps what I initially thought held a thimble, since it is simply round and not thimble-shaped, may have held a ponce, with the remaining deep rectangle for pen/pencils. You decide.
