An early 20th century silver and tortoiseshell topped cut…
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An early 20th century silver and tortoiseshell topped cut crystal scent bottle, the ovoid body with banded and floral engraved decoration, the silver hinged lid with wide circular tortoiseshell inset top with Adams-type silver inlay, enclosing original fitted glass stopper. Height 12.5 cm. Birmingham 1914 by Walker & Hall.

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  • Oviform /ovoid - The outline loosely resembling the shape of an egg.
  • Tortoiseshell - Tortoiseshell is a translucent material that comes from the horny carapace of a certain types of turtles, including the hawksbill turtle. It is often therefore mounted on a colour underground - often red - or inlaid with gold or silver thread, as seen in Boulle furniture.

    The texture and colour nuances of the material are extremely important. Heated tortoiseshell can easily be formed into various shapes. Like other natural materials, tortoiseshell becomes more beautiful with use. In a time before plastic, tortoiseshell was widely used for small objects such as combs and powder compacts.

    In 1973, the trade of tortoiseshell worldwide was banned under CITES (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). Prior to importing or exporting items containing tortoiseshell a CITES permit must be obtained. Tortoiseshell items cannot be traded on Ebay.

    "Faux tortoiseshell", another case of man initiating nature, is made from old-style plastics such as celluloid and cellulos and is coloured with red, yellow and brown spots to imitate the genuine article. It is commonly used in glasses frames, musical instruments and costume jewellery.

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