1880s ORIGINAL FRENCH PALAIS ROYAL MOTHER OF PEARL EGG POCKET WATCH HOLDER RARE

  
It has wonderful egg shaped hidden container made from two magnificent mother of pearl sea shells which opens by pushing down on the brass bird on top to release the locking mechanism, which still works great! This reveals the gold looking gilt pocket watch holder hidden inside which has a little hook from which the watch was hung. There are also a pair of hooks on back for holding another watch or perhaps the chain. The circular watch holder is 2 1/8round and has a sunken middle to hold the watch better. The two halves of the egg snap shut again to hide the watch inside..... Wonderful gilt edges of each shell have beaded design. There are 3 smaller mother of pearl shells around the base with gilt vines and leaves entertwined around the small "egg" halves.... This is all mounted by 3 hidden screws to a white cream colored alabaster circular base which is 4across. Everything is in excellent shiny nice condition with no chips, damage or missing pieces. The mother of pearl has its beautiful multi color patina on all 5 of the shells. The alabaster base is slightly loose, so the screws may be able to be tightened, but I havent removed the original covering on bottom to see. The 3 legs are still attached just fine.

This 140 year old pocket watch holder is g. Uaranteed original and has great provenance. The number printed on bottom is an old museum identification number from The Strong Museum of Rochester, NY.

This authentic work of art was decommissioned by the museum a few years ago to raise funds for further acquisitions. Unless you contact me first. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Thank you for your business.... Your friendly fellow collector, Digger Dave Beeler.

FRESH LISTINGS NEARLY EVERY DAY. We stand proudly in support of our military men and women and their families. The item "1880s ORIGINAL FRENCH PALAIS ROYAL MOTHER OF PEARL EGG POCKET WATCH HOLDER RARE" is in sale since Tuesday, October 10, 2017. This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Watches, Parts & Accessories\Pocket Watches\Antique". The seller is "diggerdaveb" and is located in Hillsboro, Illinois. This item can be shipped worldwide.