Qajar Bird Hunting Whistle & Carved Ebony Gem-Set Case

This rare and fine wooden case holds a hunting whistle which comprises a brass tube and attached duck feathers.

The case is of heavy ebony wood carved with a pair of recumbent rams and terminates with a stylised ram’s head. It is further decorated on both sides and on top with fine, arabesque panels.

The rams’ ears are inset with turquoise cabochons, and their eyes are inset with faceted rock crystal gems.  One further turquoise cabochon decorates the underside of the case as the centre of a carved flower.

The whistle is held securely inside the case with cord that has been wound tightly around the ensemble. We have not sought to remove the whistle from the case.

The set is in excellent condition and has obvious age and a good patina.

Cased whistles such as these are very rare; few have been published.