Antique French Ormolu Casket Turquoise Carnelian & Tigers-eye 19th Century

This is a truly magnificent and substantial antique French luxury ormolu casket, circa 1880 in date.

This exceptional casket is rectangular in shape with a domed top and features multiple inset turquoise, carnelian and tigers-eye jewels, with Gothic revival decoration.

The hinged lid opens to reveal a spectacular interior lined in purple silk.

It is an impressive casket which apart from its functionality is also a highly attractive and valuable item.

Complete with working lock and key.

Condition:

In really excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 14 x Width 23 x Depth 11

Dimensions in inches:

Height 5 inches x Width 9 inches x Depth 4 inches

Ormolu - (from French 'or moulu', signifying ground or pounded gold) is an 18th-century English term for applying finely ground, high-carat gold in a mercury amalgam to an object of bronze.The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold-coloured veneer known as 'gilt bronze'.

The manufacture of true ormolu employs a process known as mercury-gilding or fire-gilding, in which a solution of nitrate of mercury is applied to a piece of copper, brass, or bronze, followed by the application of an amalgam of gold and mercury. The item was then exposed to extreme heat until the mercury burned off and the gold remained, adhered to the metal object.

Our reference: A1767

Internal Ref:

A1767

Date of manufacture : 19th Century