Leg Shaped Needle Case

This is a rare needle / bodkin case / etui made by Meissen in the mid 19th century or earlier. It is in the shape of an asparagus spear - superbly modeled and painted to look ready to eat :) The piece has a nice lid with a floral decoration to it and a hollow interior to hold the needles or such. Not sure of the material of the lid but I suspect it is gold but have no way to test it. The porcelain is marked on the inside with the Meissen blue crossed swords though they are hard to see. The lid is marked with two incised letter V type marks as shown. The etui a bit over 3.25 inches long and the lid has a diameter of 0.75 inches. The lid could use a cleaning and it used to close a little further than it does now but it does close tightly. The porcelain is in perfect condition. Please email me for more information or other pictures.