My mechanical turtle spittoon – c.1890

This is an original cast iron spittoon shaped like a turtle that opens when its head is pressed. These turtles were used apparently in high-class hotels, saloons and brothels from the 17th – 19th century. This wonderful piece measures 14″ long from tip of the tail to the nose, and at the widest point is [...]

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My snuff box ” LA BIENNOISE” – 19th

Snuff box ” LA BIENNOISE”, trademark.
African acajou wood and metal silver, c.1870s,
8,5 X 4,5 cm.

One of the more functional types of decorative boxes is the snuff box, which is now largely a relic of the once popular practice of taking snuff. At one time, this tiny decorative but utilitarian box was an indispensable [...]

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