A large 'Scottish pebble' gold and hardstone scent bottle, retailed by Marshall & Sons, Edinburgh, circa 1865

of upright, tapering form, hexagonal section, inlaid with differently-shaped segments of patterned agates, the collar applied with faceted and cabochon garnets below the swelling cap incised with scrolls around a faceted cairngorm, the interior of the hinged spring cap with retailer's name: Marshall / & Sons / 87 George St.

An unusual and cheerful piece. The front shoulder panel appears to have been re-attached as slightly projecting with very small chips at each front corner. Two panels at front base have short hair cracks, thother has a miniscule chip at the corner. The back panel has a slightly scrape at the base corner. It is possible that the front central garnet is a replacement as it is faceted and the other two are cabochon, but this may be an intentional decorative feature.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

'Scottish pebble' jewellery, that is, inlaid in a patchwork of different-coloured agates, became popular in the wake of European interest in all things Scottish. This interest had been fired first by enthusiasm for the very popular and much-translated romantic novels of Sir Walter Scott and second, particularly in England, by the evident love of the young Royal family for Scotland and for everything Scottish including Balmoral, their newly-acquired holiday retreat, purchased in 1852. The demand for such jewellery was so great that it somewhat overwhelmed the few local jewellers who were obliged on occasion to call in help from Birmingham manufacturers and stone carvers in Idar Oberstein.