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Visiting card cases made of sealing wax are not uncommon, but the vast majority are to be found in black and were most likely used at times of bereavement.

 

This striking example is made of red sealing wax. As with the black example, the wax has been applied to a leather base and stamped with various seals depicting portraits, buildings and coats of arms.

 

This form of decoration dates to the middle of the 19th century and, at the Great Exhibition of 1851, several manufacturers exhibited articles made of sealing wax 'with impressions'.

 

This case sold at a UK auction house in 2005.