Royal Crown Derby (RCD) has an excellent reputation for quality, and this is no exception. The gold stopper on the bottom indicates it is best/first quality by their standards – silver would indicate there is some kind of imperfection. They made a number of different animal paperweights, all Imari style, that are just charming, as is this one. The beautiful pattern with flowers (some of them Yorkshire roses, I believe) has 22kt gold accents, and is painted by a skilled artisan. Per the Royal Crown Derby web site, the LIX on the bottom indicates manufacture in 1996. A perfect gift for a collector of elephant figurines or paperweights, or someone adding to their RCD paperweight collection. It measures 4″ high & 6″ long and is made of bone china. It does not have its box, but is in excellent vintage condition. I noted no chips, nicks, cracks, or repairs, and the gold and paintwork is strong. Please do use photos for condition reference, and as part of the overall item description. I hope you will love the item you receive as much as I loved it when I found it – they are all things that found a place in my vintage loving heart. Because almost all of my items are vintage or antique, they will not all be perfect. I point out aging issues or potential flaws that I detect, and supplement with pictures. IF, HOWEVER, I MISSED SOMETHING, OR MADE A MISTAKE, PLEASE MESSAGE ME BEFORE LEAVING FEEDBACK SO WE CAN RESOLVE TOGETHER. I WILL WORK HARD TO EARN YOUR TRUST. I ALWAYS APPRECIATE YOUR FEEDBACK AND COMMUNICATION.