From my own lifelong collections, a superbly crafted antique tortoise shell and mother of pearl marquetry cigar case, etui, hinged lid and foil interior, it survives in superb form and condition these 170 or so years later. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, 170 or so year old tortoise shell and mother of pearl marquetry case for cigars/cheroots in its origin, this form often shows up now as a spectacles case or evening purse. This one is as near perfect as they come, a slight shrinkage split on the back panel which is firm and not active nor very visible at all. Throughout the rest of this one, excellent. No losses to the mother of pearl inlay work. Hinge and clasp are each in fine working order, and remainders of the foil lining. Beautiful cognac to chocolate coloration. RARE!
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.
