Exceptional and probably unique pick-wick set on an architecturally designed base made from whale ivory, American mid-19th century. The top of the base has a square piece of tortoise shell with 10 inlaid flush mounted decorative pins. At each corner is a hole that lines up with an open caved whale ivory fluted column below which is where 4 of the pick-wicks are stored. At the center of the square is a hole with a square ivory column below and this pick wick has a taller turned handle in the form of an ern. The other 4 pick-wicks have scribe line decoration and at the top look like acorn finials. All 5 pick-wicks are hand turned of whale ivory with small, pointed bead like finials. The top below the tortoise top is a molder section which tops the fluted and square columns above a narrower molded section which is supported by a solid section of curved supports above a sophisticated turned and scribed stepped round base. At the bottom of the base is an original screw which olds the 3-part base together.
Condition: The pick-wicks and base are in fine untouched condition with a warm deep patina.
Dimensions: Height: 4 Inches
Height of ern pick-wick 3 Inches
Height of the 4 pick-wicks 2 5/16 Inches