Etui à cure-dents en bois de chêne, or et pierre dite 'diamant irlandais', Irlande, vers 1825

de forme oblongue, le couvercle serti d'un trèfle, en pierres fantaisies, la monture en or gravée d'une inscription en irlandais, le fermoir également avec une pierre fantaisie, miroir et velours à l'intérieur, non poinçonné 

overall good condition even though wood has been refitted (minor traces of glue)
"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."

La tradition veut que la mode pour ces petits objets en bois de chêne avec inscriptions ou bien symboles irlandais soit née après la visite du roi George IV en Irelande en 1821 durant laquelle il se vit offrir un un bâton en chêne. Les étuis, tabatières et bijoux étaient également ornés de 'diamants irlandais', une forme de quartz à taille diamant.

Tradition states that it was the gift of a carved bog oak walking stick to George IV on a visit to Ireland in 1821 that started the fashion for objects made or carved from bog oak and decorated with Irish inscriptions or themes such as shamrock or, somewhat, later, Celtic harps. Jewellery, boxes and other ornaments were set with 'Irish diamonds', a type of facet-cut quartz.