Oh, to travel as the French did - imagine a tres chic Mme. boarding the train with her ermine stole slipping off one shoulder, this case firmly grasped in hand and the other slender-fingered hand curling into the collar of the lover she's kissing good-bye. Yes, I have little movies in my head for many of our beautiful things, but perhaps these antique travel cases hold the most romantic of visions for me. They speak of destinations, get-aways, romantic interludes, glamour and opulence as no other items seem to. I suppose that is why I find them so appealing. This one is simply stunning! Both as a closed case, slender and rich crimson leather trimmed out in brilliantly shined brass - and as a rich repository of layer upon layer of jig-saw puzzle fittings inside that explode with panache. First standard French Minerve marks the caps as finest quality French sterling silver, and the creamy pale ivory used in these brushes and implement handles is of finest quality, as well. Yes, mid to late 1800s Dieppe imported ivory tusks from the far east (elephant) and imported legally in their time as in our own, the set is richly appointed, professionally sanitized and ready for you to use for your own Grand Tour or romantic getaway. None finer!
Very good to excellent condition, age and type considered. There are no dents or damage to the sterling silver and no breaks to the jars or bottles though one has a stuck stopper that has sheared at the neck and will require a pro to remove it. The case is superb, handle strong and supple, still. I find it impossible to read the silversmith's mark on this set, but I did buy it along with Hermes and Cartier pieces/sets and it came from a very elegant Paris estate. I would not be surprised to find that it is also Hermes, though I see no signatures and cannot read this minuscule poincon (diamond shaped losenge impressed in each sterling silver piece, notes the silversmith). Unable to confirm my suspicion, I will price it as though it is not Hermes, but rather think it is. Experts out there, can you help us? Brushes have been sanitized, show little or no use and no losses. Ivory handles on implements are free of cracks, are of finest quality, smooth and sensual to the touch. The case itself measures 12 7/8” x 4 1/8” and is 7 7/8” to 9 7/8” tall (without and with handle). The brushes are 6 5/8” long, perfumes are 3.5” tall, round jars have 2 1/4” diameters, rectangular jar is 3.5” x 2.5” and the toothbrush jar is 6.5” tall. A superb set - enjoy!
MPORTANT 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.
