Antique silver toothpick or cocktail stick holder Brazil or Portugal

Antique silver toothpick or cocktail stick holder, Brazil, or Portugal circa 1850. The holder in the form of an exotic draped figure holding aloft a globe in one hand and an eagle in the other on knopped stem in turn on circular stepped base. The spread wings of eagle and the globe pierced allowing for cocktail sticks or toothpicks. Acid tested for silver and likely made in Brazil or Portugal. There are hallmarks but impossible to discern clearly as it is in decoration around base of stem. Disposable wooden toothpicks were introduced in the early 19th century; figural holders to display the toothpicks on the table became popular in Continental Europe, particularly in Portugal, Brazil, and Italy. Height 5.25 inches. Spread: 3.00 inches. Weight: 190 grams. Condition: Good, reflections from photography only. Antique silver toothpick or cocktail stick holder, Brazil, or Portugal circa 1850. The holder in the form of an exotic draped figure holding aloft a globe in one hand and an eagle in the other on knopped stem in turn on circular stepped base. The spread wings of eagle and the globe pierced allowing for cocktail sticks or toothpicks. Acid tested for silver and likely made in Brazil or Portugal. There are hallmarks but impossible to discern clearly as it is in decoration around base of stem. Disposable wooden toothpicks were introduced in the early 19th century; figural holders to display the toothpicks on the table became popular in Continental Europe, particularly in Portugal, Brazil, and Italy. Height 5.25 inches. Spread: 3.00 inches. Weight: 190 grams. Condition: Good, reflections from photography only

Estimate:£737.90

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