19th C. Mother-of-Pearl & Silver Mounted Chatelaine Snuff / Pill Box

A fine 19th-century personal container, crafted from natural mother-of-pearl shell with shimmering iridescence. The organic body is mounted with silver-tone fittings, including suspension loops, and capped at each end with contrasting black panels. The hinged lid is further adorned with a teardrop-shaped mother-of-pearl inlay, uniting the design with elegance and refinement. Compact yet substantial, this piece could have served as a snuff or pill box, and its loops suggest it was designed for use as part of a chatelaine, worn at the waist as both functional and ornamental.

Such pieces were popular in the Victorian era, reflecting the fashion for decorative personal accessories. Its combination of lustrous shell, dark accents, and fitted mounts exemplifies 19th-century craftsmanship and makes it a desirable addition for collectors of chatelaine objects, antique vanity items, or snuff boxes.

Condition:
In good antique condition with light wear consistent with age. The shell retains strong iridescence with some natural imperfections and minor surface marks. Silver-tone mounts show patina and tarnishing. The hinge remains functional, and suspension loops are intact.

Dimensions:
3 1/2 x 1 1/4 x 2 inches
Weight: 35 grams