A rare item -what is known as a mortuary turtle. It is a glass topped, sealed wooden case containing a small turtle shell with moving head and legs with painted plaster weeds.
In the 19th century people's greatest fear was to be buried alive and as a result all sorts of devices were invented to safeguard against this-including bells inside coffins. Mortuary turtles in various forms were placed on the body to double check for any signs of life before burial.
Although I have had a few of these over the years- one in a carved bone box had the photo of an elderly lady on the base-they are rare.
4.5cm in diameter
2cm high.
In excellent condition- minor hairline crack only.
Stock no. LH45