Tubular Wax Or Message Case In Moss Agate, Bloodstone Jasper & Sterling Silver / Vermeil, 19th Century

Superb tubular case in hardstone and vermeil.

The case is round in cross-section; each part, namely the body and the cap, is monolithic.

The base of the case is made of milky agate with superb green filamentous inclusions, known as "moss agate." The cap is made of the same stone, but the mineralization at its tip changes to heliotrope jasper, a deep green marked with a few red spots. It is interesting to have these two magnificent stones, highly prized for the creation of precious objects, on the same hardstone object.

The mount is made of gilt silver, consisting of a ring and a male part on the body; on the cap, a ring highlighting the opening. Both rings feature a wavy frieze decoration.

The mount is not hallmarked but has been tested with a touchstone.

The absence of a hallmark makes identification uncertain, but I believe it is a 19th-century German piece, in the style of the message and/or wax cases very popular in the 18th century.

Magnificent case, remarkable for its stone which alternates between transparency, filamentous inclusions, and a change in mineralization to jasper.

13 cm long
2 cm in diameter

80.28 grams

Superb condition. Minor wear to the vermeil.

Collection in Paris or shipping via insured Colissimo.

France: €15
Europe: €20
Rest of the world: €35