A GILT METAL MOUNTED MODEL OF AN OSTRICH CONTINENTAL, LATE 19TH CENTURY Formed of gilt metal mounts onto an ostrich egg, with a hinged lid to the back, on a marble rectangular base 40cm high Figures of ostriches or decorative ostrich-shaped vessels primarily in gilt silver and incorporating rare-at-the-time ostrich eggs, were often found in late 16th and early 17th century 'Cabinets of Curiosities'. Towards the latter part of the 19th century Faberge and jewellers in Vienna revived this decorative motif. Condition Report: Some wear from handling and cleaning- with surface abrasions and loss to gilding. Gilding colour variances- notably to left wing. Some old cracks to shell mainly around upper section of left wing. Some movement to the mounts including the right wing and the neck. Condition Report Disclaimer