A very fine example of a French 19th century shell and gilt bronze perfume bottle holder of egg shape and with mechanical opening. The perfume bottle holder stands upon an oval white marble base. The frame of the bottle holder is attached to a fine ormolu mount of rococco form with shells and flowers. When the ball at the top of the stem is pressed it releases each half shell which is held by a hinge at the base. The shells fall open to reveal the four perfume bottles. Three are original and are quite beautifully shaped , with hinged silver lids ( with French hallmarks) and retaining the glass inner stopper. The fourth bottle, replaced with silver sheath and screw top, the silver with leapard London hallmark). The holder is closed by gently pushings the two shell sides upwards and when they meet in the middle they lock until once more released by pressing on the ball finial. The clour of the shells, both inside and out is spectacular. France circa 1880. 7.5 inches high by 4 inches wide by 3 inches deep ( 18.75 cms by 10 cms by 7.5 cms).