A Fine Continental Malachite and Jewel Mounted Ormolu Encrier

Likely French or Russian, third quarter 19th century, unsigned, gilt brass, cast in the Baroque style, featuring a central chest form inkwell with hinged lid and removable inkwell, set with malachite and garnet cabochons alongside engraved Rococo style scrollwork, flanked by four seated children stationed at the corners, and supported atop an engraved beveled plateau, velvet and plaster underside, raised on four cast toupie feet.

3 1/8 x 4 1/4 x 3 1/2 in.

Crack to malachite cabochon on lid and with associated old adhesive residue; lid does not close completely flush to the base; looseness to mount of one child; scattered areas of gilt rubbing.