Vintage Egyptian Scarab

This piece clearly used to be part of a ring. It is 1 1/8th" inches tall by 7/8" wide, by 1/4" deep, and opens up to reveal a small comparpartment for wax perfume, pills, or other small keepsakes. Not sure, but I think this is made of brass. It's a solid piece (not some flimsy thin metal) but the small hinge clasp needs to be hammered out so that the scarab stays close (otherwise it will pop open when held upside down). There is still an indent in the back where this was once affixed to a ring. Needs a good polishing.

The scarab itself appears to be a mineral (would guess carnelian) but could be a molded resin. I will be taking this piece in for an appraisal within the next couple of weeks and I will update this listing with whatever news I find. For now, the piece is for sale as-is. It would make a lovely gift for those of you interested in Ancient Egypt. Email me if you would like pictures of the inside.