Toothpick Holder (Amerigo Vespucci & Christopher Columbus)

• Medium: Glass
• Geographical Location: England
• Dates: ca. 1892
• Dimensions: 2 7/8 x 2 x 2 in. (7.3 x 5.1 x 5.1 cm)
• Inscriptions: Molded inscription around Vespucci bust "AMERICUS VESPUCIUS" Molded inscription around Columbus bust: "1492 1892 / CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS"
• Collection: Decorative Arts
• Museum Location: Brooklyn Museum, BMA, 5Q12-LUCE, Unit 21, Shelf B
• Accession Number: 40.189
• Image: 40.189_acetate_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 0,

Catalogue Description:
Colorless pressed glass toothpick holder with applied gilt accents. Square form with flared corners at top and bottom; bottom corners form feet. Each side is decorated with round medallion in molded relief and gilt accents: (1) profile bust of Amerigo Vespucci with inscription "AMERICUS VESPUCIUS"; (2) American eagle and shield; (3) profile head of Columbus with inscription "1492 1892 / CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS"; (4) heraldic shield topped by crown, shield contains four registers with a castle tower in two diagonally opposed registers and a rampant lion in the other two. CONDITION: Good; small chips along edges and feet; loss of gilding around upper edge and medallions.