Antique Victorian pendant Cutter case Gold sapphire diamonds Bug Fly chain (7567)

Antique Victorian pendant case or holder with hidden guillotine cutter. 18k gold pendant with sapphire, diamonds. 14k later chain. Made in France, circa 1880-90's.   
 

Measurements:

Weight is 8.5 grams. Approximately 7/8inches (22mm) in diameter.  

Description :

Round pendant with rich gold surface. Front and back, gold engraved with a pattern that resembles a honeycomb pattern or the scales of a little reptile.   The top with an inset depiction of a fly or other insect : Deep blue sapphire abdomen; rosecut diamond body and rosecut diamond wings; red cabochon eyes too small to test.  Further engraved detail such as legs. 

A lever on the side allows the guillotine or cutter to emerge from the top. 
The pendant functions as a little case or box for holding a powdery substance or other item.

A lovely, delicate gold chain has been added for convenience, but is not original to the pendant and probably significantly later.

Marks and Metal:

French eagle head for 18k gold on the back. French hallmarks on the attached loop. Chain with 14k mark. 
     

Condition:

Good with minor wear commensurate with age to edges.   Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.   

THE STORY:

Naturalistic forms, in particular insects were very popular with the Victorians, who loved novelty items and excelled in the versatility of their jewelry. This pendant combines all of these features as well as the superb craftsmanship typical of the best French work (and then copied by Faberge in Russia) of the late 19th century. 
We don't know, but believe this was used to store your stash of favored drug.