He was giving orders for a toothpick-case for himself, and till its size, shape, and ornaments were determined, — all of which, after examining and debating for a quarter of an hour over every toothpick-case in the shop, were finally arranged by his own inventive fancy…
Chapter 33 Sense and Sensibility
I thought you might appreciate sight of these 18th century toothpick cases that were recently sold at auction by Cheffins Auctioneers of Cambridge at their Antiques and Interiors Sale which was held on the 4th October.
©Cheffins
As you can see they are both made of ivory: one has a compass set into the lid, and has been converted to hold a thermometer…
©Cheffins
while the other has a plait of hair set into the lid, which is surrounded by diamante studs on blue cabochons. The hinges are of gold metal.
©Cheffins
No doubt these charming examples might be too plain for Robert Ferrars, but I think they are quite lovely. They sold rather cheaply and reached a sale price of only £100.
2 comments
October 25, 2012 at 4:55 pm
cathyallen
I think that this scene from Sense and Sensibility is one of the funniest and cleverest in all Jane Austen’s novels! We know immediately what kind of man Robert Ferrars is. Perhaps these are a BIT plain for his taste ;-) but at least there would be a place for him to keep a lock of his “lovely” bride’s hair…
Thank you, Julie. I cannot recall having ever seen jeweled toothpick cases before! Makes me think even more (or less!) of Mr. Ferrars.
November 5, 2012 at 10:56 am
imogen88
My goodness!!