A Fabulous Late 19th Century Ostrich Egg Holder composed of embossed & chased sheet metal with finely detailed plumage and glass inset eyes. The egg encased inside the bird's body, with a detachable neck and head secured by a chain. Standing on a domed oval base scattered with reptiles and insects within a garland of fruit & flowers and flat crimped border stamped with pseudo hallmarks, 22" (56 cm) in height [of similar design to the celebrated 'Autruche a Monture en Vermeil' from the Collection of Yves Saint Laurent & Pierre Bergé sold by Christie's, Feb 2009]