The oval shell cameo  carved to depicte the sinistral of Menelaus, signed T. Saulini F, within an open work border in the Etruscan Revival style, pendant and brooch fittings, maker's mark for Robert Phillips.

Cf.: Hugh Tait et al, The Art of the Jeweller: a Catalogue of the Hull Grundy Gift to the British Museum Vol II, British Museum Publications Ltd, London, 1984, pg. 228, nos. 912 - 915, for additional examples of work by Tomasso Saulini.

Cameo measuring approximately 44 x 53mm, signed T. Saulini F for Tomasso Saulini. Shell beige, cream, white, and brown, translucent to opaque, with typical structure and colour mottling visible under magnification. Small cracks to shell consistent with age. Carving in good condition. Mount with initials RP for Robert Phillips. Brooch and pendant fittings in good working order, pendant fitting with additional safety clasp. Scratches to surfaces consistent with wear. Overall measurements approximately 65 x 55mm. In good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Tomasso Saulini (1793-1864) was a gem carver based in Rome, renowned for the quality of his carved cameos in both hardstone and shell. Saulini began his studies in 1836 in Rome, under the tutelage of the Danish sculptor Bertel Thorwaldsen (1770-1844). Saulini found patronage among the aristocracy across Europe, and in 1860, moved to London to engrave portraits of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Several of his stone cameos were exhibited at the International Exhibition of 1862, and shell versions of the exhibited pieces were sold alongside them. It is possible that present piece may have been originally shown in this context. The present cameo takes its design from a statue of Menelaus supporting the body of his fallen comrade Patroclus from the Iliad, displayed alongside works by Cellini and Giambologna in the courtyard of the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence.

A similar shell cameo depicting Minerva by Tomasso Saulini, similarly mounted by Robert Phillips and dating from circa 1860 can be found in the British Museum, museum no. 1978,1002.589.