A trunk full of Tortoise shell (advice plus help with hallmark)

[Mdcv]

Oh KC thats a horror story, isnt it?! Ive done similar things with other objects, only to later find and appreciate their aesthetic and monetary value!

I think your idea of researching the pieces is a good idea. Perhaps an expert can give some insights as to age or origin. I reached out to a dealer with photos who is known to us and she got rather excited and said there are some highly collectable pieces (she didnt say which), and mentioned some possibly using a rarer tortoise shell. We have made an appointmentforher to look over the collection next monday.

Thank you for the celluloid/lucite link. All very helpful. 😊

[mart]

Be sure and let us know what they say !!  We are curious !!

[Mdcv]

For sure, Mart 😉

[Mdcv]

Update on the tortoise.
Our dealer was rather enthusiastic, testing and confirming each piece is genuine. The "hero" pieces in her eyes are the neckchain and the cloak clasp. She believes the hallmark to be ca. 1840s (young Victoria head), but this is yet to be confirmed. Her valuation included retail prices on individual items and were very good. She mentioned one or two pieces might have been galapagus tortoise (also unconfirmed). All in all its a tidy and valuable collection.

If anyone here has any further info on shapes, origins, identification etc, please feel free to chime in.

[mart]

Thats excellent !!  But what about the brush and comb vanity set ?? And those with the chemical smell with the hot pin test ??

[Mdcv]

The vanity set was faux tortoise, just as I had imagined. (Brushes and mirror). Those were the only pieces that smelled pine-y with the hot needle test. All the remaining pieces tested positive for tortoise shell, with needle testing, comparison testing and examination under a loupe, Mart. 👍

[mart]

Even better !!  Glad for you !!  That was quite a find !!

[talesofthesevenseas]

GADS!!! FABULOUS!!! I am a historic reenactor so I am drooling with envy! I own one, much treasured, genuine tortoiseshell 1850s hair comb and I paid $200 for it. Oh what I wouldn't have given to have been in your thrift store! Congratulations on a wonderful find. So exciting when that happens!

[talesofthesevenseas]

Oh and by the way, I believe that long oblong piece is a busk. This would be quite early I think 1840s or so, when flat front corsets were most in fashion. The busk slips into an elongated pocket on the front of the corset and creates a flat look instead of a curve from bust to waist. I have only seen these made out of wood, bone or ivory. Never tortoiseshell and I think you may have something very special there. See Figure 10 on this page: http://cool.conservation-us.org/jaic/articles/jaic32-03-001.html

[Mdcv]

Thank you talesofthesevenseas, I would LOVE to see your tortoise comb! Can you post a picture?
Yes we were quite excited... not for any potential fiscal rewards; rather, in saving something special from a very uncertain future.... at least now they can be preserved and appreciated!

I have never heard of a busk! Thats VERY interesting! I might just have to research that a bit more! Even our expert was puzzled saying it was too large to be a letter opener, and too pointy to be a page turner.
Thank you so much for chiming in with your insights!

[Mdcv]

Oh and by the way, I believe that long oblong piece is a busk. This would be quite early I think 1840s or so, when flat front corsets were most in fashion. The busk slips into an elongated pocket on the front of the corset and creates a flat look instead of a curve from bust to waist. I have only seen these made out of wood, bone or ivory. Never tortoiseshell and I think you may have something very special there. See Figure 10 on this page: http://cool.conservation-us.org/jaic/articles/jaic32-03-001.html

Just found this.... tortoise and whale bone busks! I think you might be right on the money!

[debc]

I have been following your thread with great interest.  Congratulations on your find    ( Just a snoopy newbie )

[talesofthesevenseas]

I'm pretty sure that I am correct about the busk. I have a friend who is a textiles curator at the DAR Museum in Washington DC. I think I can get confirmation from her. I will check.

[talesofthesevenseas]

She asked if it is flat or curved?

[KC]

My first thought when I saw the picture was that it was a tortoiseshell page turner or bookmark (it has a pointed end).  Aren't most busk blunt end?