I'm forever on the hunt for these but they're hard to find, especially a good old one still functioning--and even more so with such a brilliantly painted snake inside. Of the perfect scale, too. Plenty of wear to the paint/stain on the exterior of the carved book shaped box, but some nice red and green painted detail at the corners still holding on, and most all of that best green on the sides and slide. Works very smoothly, and by sticking just a small wad of tissue paper or whatever inside, the box will stand open with snake holding in position, neck all the way out, as pictured in first photo.

3 5/8" x 2 7/8" x 7/8". Surface wear to box as evident, which feels all of a piece with it; otherwise excellent condition, with brilliant original paint on the snake, down to a little red inside its mouth. Late 19th/early 20th c. I believe.