This is another magnificent c.1840-6 French cheroot case (smallish cigars), showing superb old French artisanship, inlays of sterling silver and mother of pearl. Both interior and exterior remain very beautiful and seemed to have been used very little if at all. I have a 2nd one of these which hinges lengthwise, and is offered separately. Look for both. Perfect now to use for today's business cards, a couple credit cars, as a palm-held evening purse. I used to use these for after-hours meetings when I worked for Paramount, Inc. It was always an easy conversation starter. Such a little beauty!
Very good to excellent condition throughout. It survives 180 or so years in really superb condition as you can see. Both interior and exterior remain just elegant. Loads of Sterling silver inlay and pique work, and a cartouche without a monogram so you can have yours or a heritage monogram added if you'd like. It's an unusual form, seems like it's going to be a large coin purse, but once opened you can see the fine interior which is like the larger cigar cases. Predates cigarettes, but small cigars called cheroot would have been perfect for this 3.5" long case. The clasp-closure is quite unique for these, as well. Really beautifully mottled chocolate to cognac tortoise shell. Baffles expand a bit on sides.
IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique tortoise shell or ivory: We are great supporters of protection for endangered species in our modern world. We never buy or sell anything 100 years or newer; we donate to anti-poaching organizations; we don't hunt; we conserve in ways that impact global warming (we're totally solar at home), knowing those measures also protect the animals in the wild today. We also recognize the vast cultural history we preserve with our care and reverence for these antique objects, and agree with CITES that objects over 100 years of age have nothing whatsoever to do with species depletion in our current world.
Our offering exceeds the age limitation of "more than 100 years of age", and is well within the exemption for CITES regulation. If imported, met the CITES regulation. This item will be handled and shipped from our Utah business, and is not available for shipment internationally, nor within the USA to California, NY, Nevada, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington if it contains ivory, sorry. Please see our small print for more details.
