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Ever picked up a card case and not known how to open it? You’re not alone. Whilst the standard method is a hinged horizontal lid or slip-top lid, card cases open in many different ways. Opening mechanisms are often a good indication of date and origin and can sometimes be unique to certain types of case. Below is a list opening mechanisms and the materials in which they are most commonly found.

§	Hinged lid - horizontal  (most materials from all countries, although rarely Japan)

§	Book opening - vertical (most materials, often cases from Continental Europe)

§	Slip top - horizontal (mainly ivory, lacquer and wood)

§	Concealed hinge (Mauchline ware)

§	Mock book binding (such as Killarney ware, Sorrento ware, Japanese lacquer)