ANTIQUE 19thC SWISS 18k GOLD & ENAMEL TOOTHPICK BOX c.1820
Antique 19th Century French 18k gold & enamel toothpick box, unusual shape, the lid with enamelled coat-of-arms, the reverse with initials, flanked by two dark blue enamel panels within polychrome borders. The crest bearing the motto, 'Labor omnia vincit' is a Latin phrase meaning "Work conquers all".
Reference Number: A5872
DESCRIPTION
Antique 19th Century French 18k gold & enamel toothpick box, unusual shape, the lid with enamelled coat-of-arms, the reverse with initials, flanked by two dark blue enamel panels within polychrome borders. The crest bearing the motto, 'Labor omnia vincit' is a Latin phrase meaning "Work conquers all". The phrase is adapted from Virgil's Georgics, Book I, line 145–6: ...Labor omnia vicit / improbus ("Steady work overcame all things").
The poem was written in support of Augustus Caesar's "Back to the land" policy, aimed at encouraging more Romans to become farmers. The actual meaning of the phrase can be obtained as the following: "anything can be achieved if proper work is applied". Apparently unmarked, tested (750+ gold standard).
CONDITION
In Great Condition - No Damage.
SIZE
Height: 1.3cm
Width: 8 x 2.5cm
Weight: 35.4g