From my own lifelong collections: Silver shield cartouche and stunning hand carved mother of pearl handle, surely from a large vanity travel or desk necessaire dating early 19th century to perhaps last half 18th century. Steel shaft with brass or bronze matrix which has D M Monogram. Crafted in the late 1700s popular 'balon' or 'balloon' form, I've read the form hails to the first hot air balloon flight, "The first 'aerostatic' flight in history was an experiment carried out by the Montgolfier brothers at Versailles in 1783", but I am not positive. Thick, solid, stunningly beautiful pearl, full measurements are noted on our photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, not a single chip nor any damage to this elegant carved mother of pearl. Just a mention that I feel slightly uncertain about the matrix on this one. It's my experience if a matrix is engraved, so would usually be the silver shield cartouche in the same initials and I have wondered if it might be a replacement. I've had a few 18th century writer's nécessaire or sets with this form seals original to them, so I'm not unsure of age. Box is not included, as noted. In final photos you'll see other of my own collection of important wax seals, all of which are to be sold separately. Look for those, too.
