I wish to thank everyone who chimed-in. I have a far better idea of what I'm looking at, now.

Still fascinated by the thing. About how and why it came to exist. But now, I have a good few story outlines.

Aaaand I just thought of something: Could it have been a student/trainee engraver's pièce d'école? Did engravers of that era have trade schools to go to, or was it strictly apprenticeship?

Last edited by Fudd; 01/10/24 07:32 PM.