This antique George V pique and sterling silver jewellery casket is a lovely and practical piece. Featuring silver inlay on tortoiseshell, jewellers at the time took advantage of tortoiseshell’s excellent thermoplastic properties to create some beautiful “natural celluloid” pieces. In the 19th century, sailors often used tortoises and sea turtle as provisions, and their shells were natural byproducts that soon became prized in their own right. Lined in velvet, this would still be an excellent display piece and for storing jewellery, cufflinks and other treasured pieces.
Marks for Henry Matthews who was active in 1894-1930, Birmingham, 1914.
Price marked at $700 AUD Measurements: 5.5 cm high, 10cm diameter. Overall very good antique condition. Silver frame is in excellent condition. Some clouding to the tortoiseshell, but no chips or splits to note. Some wear to velvet as pictured.
