Vitrines were glass showcases or cabinets for displaying collections or precious possessions.  They were common from the 17th through the 19th centuries and ranged in style from the simple to the ornate.  

 

This vitrine has very nice ormolu trim.  Bronze d'oré, also known as ormolu or gilt bronze, was a decorative finish used on luxury furnishings in the 18th and 19th centuries. An application of finely ground high carat gold and mercury amalgam was placed on objects of bronze. When subjected to extremely high heat, the mercury evaporated, leaving behind a lustrous coating of gold. Gilt-bronze trim was used to protect furniture from damage and to emphasize form, and to mount beautiful objects such as candelabra, clocks, lamps, pedestals and porcelain vases.

 

There is also a lovely Wedgwood plaque insert on this vitrine.  Wedgwood was founded by the British potter and entrepreneur Josiah Wedgwood in 1759 in Staffordshire, England. An independent potter, he experimented with clay in many variations. One of his products was unglazed vitreous fine stoneware in many colors, known more commonly as Jasperware. The light blue Jasperware proved particularly popular, and it became known as “Wedgwood Blue”.