Antique 1850-70s French Tortoise Shell Aide d'Memoire Necessaire, Card Case - Tortoiseshell

The gold-edged original notepad remains inside the rich Royal purple moire silk covers and interor, and the shell front and back panels are excellent - but the necessaire does have a flaw or two to keep it from being pristine, or expensive. While the nap on the silk velvet spine is no longer there, exposing the original if denuded and faded silk velvet spine as less than it was in its origin, and also the 3 loops of moire silk that would have formed a self-latching housing for a slender long stylus or pencil are missing, those two flaws are probably the simplest to restore if you're inclined. The major issue is the condition of the shell, and in this one, both panels are exquisite! With a mottling of cognac and chocolate, the beauty of the natural mid-1800s shell shows through and with the inlay of what is most likely 18k gold (the French standard), and a cartouche that has not yet been monogrammed - and this one is sure to catch your eye and attention. The price reflects the imperfections, and the small restoration work you might well be capable of if you're the least bit handy, will have your investment doubled in value in no time. I simply do not have the time.