Victorian Silver & Niello Slide Mirror Locket w/ Button Hook

Niello is the art of ornamenting metal surfaces that is thought to have originated with the Egyptians and spread throughout Europe in the Middle Ages. It is enamel-like substance made alloys of sulfur, copper, silver and lead and used as an inlay on engraved metal. A fabulous and Niello piece from the Victorian (ca1880) era! Probably once worn as an addition on a chatelaine, this wonderful and unusual piece is comprised of a silver and Niello slide mirror locket and a matching encased button hook. The mirror locket is rectangular in shape and is hinged at the top bail where it slides open. When opened, it reveals a small, shallow compartment on one side and the original mirror on the other side. Also dangling from the bail is a silver button hook that swings out of a case with a Niello surface. Each piece is detailed with a wonderful matching checkerboard Niello design that covers the entire surface. The piece would look fabulous hanging from a long Niello chain. The inside of the lock