This was, of course, a fine cigar case of mid-1800s, French made and elegant as can be. Inlay of abalone against the carved mother of pearl, mounted front and back on opulent pearlescent mother of pearl panels that are 6+" long. The case would have carried 2-3 cigars, the leather baffled sides expanding to hold the added width when filled. The case is so elegant, one can almost see the room and table at which some gentleman, playing cards, lays the case atop burled wood table, tosses back his head with a smile and nod to friends.
The case is now perhaps also one you'll think of to house your glasses, through I will tell you that this one is best as a display because one of its 2 flaws is that the push-button clasp operative button is missing (see photos) so it will not clasp closed until someone does a little restoration. The other flaw is there is a very fine hairline across the big flat mother of pearl panel on one side. I've enlarged and marked it for your review. Also, please note in that photo, the rainbow pearlescent shimmer of the old pearl is much finer than our photographer had captured against a white and highly lighted photo table in the other images. The pearl is gorgeous! Set with such colorful abalone, too. Circa 1850-70, the Napoleon III era, or Victorian era. The leather baffle is preserved well, small areas of age, tiny split at fold here or there. A pretty one for collection display! Measurements are noted on the photos. 6.5" long, 2.25" wide when closed and expands from a closed .5" to 1 1/8" open baffles. Just needs that little clasp.
