This China Trade CARD CASE is an incredibly detailed work. An outer border of blue and green enameled flowers and leaves surround the front and back panels. They are set upon a lacy filigree of silver open-work. The inner area has woven silver cross-hatched matting, with flowers, ferns and finely woven silver snakes. These snakes and plants are dimensional and portrude from the sides of the case. A condition note: Some of these dimensional objects; a flower, the body of a snake, appear to be sprung and sit a bit further from the case that they should. These might catch on something inside a purse and should be investigated towards that purpose, if you desire. The side of the case have fine expended wire silver openwork. There is a small cartouche on the top of the upper portion, which could have been used for the owner’s initials. 2 11/16” wide x 3 7/8” tall x 1/2” Tested to between .750 and .900 Silver. Typically China Trade Silver was .900, which is the same silver content as the U.S. Trade Dollar, minted between 1873 and 1885. As can be seen in the pictures of the case, the outside has slight to moderate tarnish. While the interior has remained bright. I have chosen to leave this as-is, and not polish it. It could be cleaned or polished if desired. It comes in it’s original paper/silk cloth box. The box has two split corners and the glue residue of an old paper sticker in the inside lid. At some point the base of the box was re-enforced with scotch tape. There are four period calling cards included, which came with it when I got this. This is a lovey piece of silver. It is hard to imagine how long it took to fabricate, and how little the craftsman was paid! There are no markings on it. I believe it was made in the last quarter of the 1800’s and it is a lovely example of CHINA TRADE SILVER. 2.32 troy ounces. It is the Year of the Snake. Price: $275.00 (ref. TR A218)