Talk about a rare ‘50 pattern Case Brothers toenail
I know you are aware I have an particular liking for Case Brothers and have just about been able to get my hands on most of the variations made. But, a few weeks ago I was contacted by a fellow toenail collector about one he has had in his collection for some time. It is one I haven’t been able to find in authentic condition. (I am amazed by the “closet collectors” who have some jewels out there they have kept a secret. I know without a doubt there are some of the most desirable and sought after premo toenails keep below the radar that will surface soon enough.)
This particular toenail is the 7250 tortoise shell produced by Case Brothers. It is advertised in their 1904 catalog. 
If you will notice the 7250 is the second most expensive list price in their catalog. While it is just under a third of the price for a dozen pearls, it is more than the genuine stag or bone stag. Tortoise Shell (sea turtle shell) was expensive then and eventually was banned.
I have the 2250 (ebony), 5250 (genuine stag), 6250 (bone stag) and the 8250 (pearl), but have had a difficult time locating a genuine 7250. I have seen a few fakes, but not the real thing yet.
Well this collector states his is the real deal (I haven’t see it in person yet).
Tortoise Shell was replaced by celluloid. Hibbert Spencer and Bartlett, Chicago was one of the large producers of celluloid to look like tortoise shell handles.
June 21st, 2008 at 8:01 am
It would be nice if you could get ahold of it, for a good lookin` over. It appears to have silver pins like a pearl. I`ve really only seen/looked at small patterns that had real tortoise on them. They seemed to be darker, but that may just because of there size, or the picture of this one appears lighter than it is.