Heading : French Tortoiseshell, Gold Piqué and Abalone Purse c1850
Date : c1850
Period : Victorian
Origin : France
Decoration : Hinged lids with inlays of fretted, piqué-style decoration, inlaid abalone shards and a small, engraved plaque bearing the initials HCF; blue silk lining which creates four compartments, two of which can be 'locked' with a small clasp
Size : 7.2 cm long x 4.5 xm deep x 2 cm high
Condition : Externally - very good; the silk lining has frayed in places and the reinforced edge of one compartment has worn in such a manner that it can no longer be secured by the clasp; one half of the lid appears to have had the metal frame re-applied, and the pieces do not join completely flush
Restoration : repair to one lid/frame join as above
Weight :  47 grams

This is too small to hold a Covid testing kit. One of ladies says that it is ideal for carrying spare earrings and trinkets.