Certainly a Napoleon III era piece, with this very Victorian (Napoleon III) "Japonaise" inspired theme in the silver and abalone, mother of pearl inlays. This fabulous tri-color pique work and truly creates immense appeal on this one, overcoming the slightly less than pristine condition in which it arrives to us. More one you'll want to display than to use, but a beauty for display! There's a bad split to the baffle of one side that might be worthy of restoration if you do want to use it, but needn't be restored (or noticed) if you intend to display only, and it is considered well in our price, too.
Very good condition, with a slight lift to the scroll of silver the bird's got in his beak and onto which monogram might be engraved. Also a slight rise, though not looseness, to the are of the flower just above the bird - there's a bump there on the shell which seems both natural and original, not a flaw. No missing abalone or mother of pearl inlays on this one - it's a beauty for display, less for use since the baffles do have some splits on this one. Clasp and hinge work perfectly and interior's original silk lining is clean and in fine shape, too.
