I just love these old things. The history is as fun as the object. These are rare! What some think might be a cigar case is, instead, a 1700s "billet doux", or directly translated, "sweet note". The case is that into which love notes, invitations to clandestine trysts and such words of love would be sent by courier to one's beloved. Marriage being what it was among elites and titled persons in Marie-Antoinette's era and earlier, one did not always consort with only one's spouse. A love note would be written, rolled and slid into the tube, closed and perhaps even sealed with a small sealing wax/cachet to avoid prying eyes of even one's trusted courier. These survive today mostly in museum collections. We've had and sold some splendid ones over time. The layered varnish and oil paint manner in which it is worked is a favorite of Marie-Antoinette, and was invented by the Brothers, Martin, and is referred to simply as "vernis martin" now, as then.
This one has a basket of flowers, a picnic basket and farm tools, and bugs painted on it. I've shown it from all sides so you can see the charming old etui. The 2 compartments in this one each have 18k gold band, as shown. Few flaws to this one, but you can see there are a couple of areas on one end that has the gold and layered paint rubbed to black. Remarkably unscathed, it remains beautiful. The entire tortoise shell inner sleeve is fully intact. NOTE: The silk embroidery panels upon which it's photographed are not included. It helps get the right colors in our photos if colors are behind the item. Just props. Measurements noted on the photos.
