Undated (mid 19th century), Italy/France. GIUSEPPE GARIBALDI. Unsigned. Made in France. Uniface bois durci 113mm. Obv: High-relief head of Giuseppe Garibaldi facing left. Rev: “Bois Durci” impressed in raised script on the reverse. Original loop for suspension is missing. 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.