Magnificent and RARE late 1700s to earliest 1800s French ormolu and faux tortoise shelll (a casein fab fake) casket, set in pressed ormolu that is in really nice condition compared to most. An amazing little scent caddy, complete with both of its original Bresse (Bresson) kiln-fired enamel capped and beautiful scent bottles. Even have both stoppers and the interior silk liner is complete and just lovely! No label to help us, but I've seen a similar object I believe might be from the same maker in a decorative arts museum in Madrid, and it was noted as Palais Royal, Paris on a tiny affixed label. I can only pass it along, but it certainly is the type of goods we know would have come from the early and very elite boutiques of the old Palais Royal's promenade of Cardinal Richelieu's Palace, near the Louvre, Paris.
Very good to excellent condition throughout on this one. Usually this type of faux mother of pearl shows sections broken out or cracks, at least (casein, or milk-based protein substance sometimes mimic for mother of pearl or tortoise shell as in this case, same time frame). This one is remarkably fine in all aspects. I've made sure our photographer shot all 4 sides and the top so you can see how excellent it truly is, and nearly damage-free. There is one section on front upper side, above the latch, where there has been an old restoration. You can see it as a slightly different looking panel, but it really does work and looks fine in display. There is also one faint hairline that traverses a back panel. Overlaid with the stripes of same material in the faux mother of pearl white, it's just a real beauty, isn't it. The hinged casket and hinged clasp both are intact and working well. The handle is also oa swing-away hinged one. So nice to have a full original set, even to the stoppers (one is slightly stuck in place - we'll work on that). What a stunning little treasure! It is more or less 4.25" wide with feet, and 2.75" front to back, standing 3.25" tall with handle not extended. Measurements are noted for the scent bottles which are damage-free, directly on the photos. Beautiful sheen to the faux shell and pearlescent shimmer to the accent panels, and the ormolu remains high gold even without us giving it a polish. A real gem! And RARE!
