A Victorian mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell house-form casket mid 19th century

with a hinged back opening to reveal three drawers.

By repute, John Nicholas Brown of the Brown University family
Northeast Auctions, New York, May 17, 2003, lot 605 

Overall good condition; some of the urns to the upper balustrade are restored; small losses to parts of the balustrade; some small losses throughout; beautifully carved and executed; small nicks and wear to extremities.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

 Large quantities of mother-of-pearl were brought to Europe by the British and Dutch East India Companies from the 17th century onwards.  There it was used frequently as a material for inlay or marquetry.  Dutch artists like the member of the Belquin family and Dirck van Rijswijck were very famous for their plaques and  marquetry.  Vessels embellished with mother-of-pearl were produced throughout Europe.  In the 18th century, mother-of-pearl was an extremely fashionable material for snuff boxes, étuis and gold-mounted boxes of all types.  Games compendia and boxes containing playing cards and other games were at the height of their popularity in the later part of the 19th century.  This most elegant house model could well have been used for jewelry, as a collector's cabinet or for games.