Undated (mid 19th century), Italy/France. CAMILLO PAOLO FILIPPO GIULIO BENSO, CONTE DI CAVOUR & LERI, (1810-1861). Unsigned. Made in France. Uniface bois durci 113mm. Obv: Head of Conte Camillo Benso di Cavour facing left. Rev: “BOIS DURCI” impressed in raised letters. Made without a loop for suspension. Extremely fine. $200. Sorry, SOLD
Bois Durci a darkwood-like material that is made from finely ground wood mixed with abinder, such as egg or blood albumen. ?It waspatented, in Paris in 1855, by Lepage and wasused to make various decorative items, including medallions, at twofactories in France, until about 1927. Objectsmade from bois durci were created in steel molds and compressedwhilst being heated by steam.