Mercury has been found to be hazardous. I almost laugh, at times, about the Hazmat issues and all though. How they call in hazmat people if someone even drops a thermometer. Not because it isn't, maybe, serious but because as a child I used to play with the stuff at my dad's office. We used to roll beads of it around on the counters and watch them morph into each other... He was a dentist and had it on hand for use in silver amalgam fillings. My understanding is that they still use it in silver fillings but in that case its hazard isn't an issue. Something about the way it bonds with the silver, I guess. I had a mouth full of it as a kid myeself. Then again, that may explain some things. :D

Anyway, I guess if you get the raw mercury on your skin or injest it, it can cause problems, especially over time with repeat exposure. Also, large quantities can be quite dangerous. It is one of those things that is cumulative in your system. It doesn't go away easilly and It builds up over time with repeated exposure. So, I guess a casual small quantity exposure might not be of a lot of concern if you are alert and careful.

Also, when taking Photography, I learned about Deguerrotypes. They were metal plates that were coated in some way that made them light sensitive. They would then be exposed in the camera and put in a drawer or cabinet with a dish of mercury. The fumes from the mercury would cause the metal plate to change and would cause the image to appear. I don't recall the specifics of it all, off hand. Old time photographers occasionally had problems, I want to say with mental illnesses... and other neurological problems due to their repeated exposure to the mercury fumes.

Another thing that was mentioned during photo classes was the term Mad Hatter. That comes from, it was said, the fact that mercury fumes were often used in the shaping and manufacturing of hats. The hat manufacturers would go "MAD" it was believed, due to their exposure to the fumes.

I guess, what all this comes down to is this. The object you are referring to seems like a great historical collectable. however, due to it's contamination and all, you should be very careful and have the mercury removed. It may need to be cleaned in some way or, at least, you should put it in some sort of protective container or display case. Something that you can see through and enjoy and appreciate this artifact but something that would protect you and friends from the contact with any mercury residue. Just to be safe that is.

Besides, I think someone left a one word reply, "= Felony", above. Thus, I would assume you wouldn't have any intention of actually using it to load some dice.

I look forward to seeing any pictures that you might be able to post.