The cases, decorated in filigree work, came to Burghley as part of an immense bequest from Elizabeth, Countess of Devonshire (1619-1689), to her daughter Anne, Countess of Exeter (1649-1703), height 4.2cm.
The bequest was recorded in an inventory known as the 1690 Devonshire Schedule, or Deed of Gift which lists: ‘Two Gold Cases for Essence Bottles of philligrin.’