From my personal collection, this exceptionally fine 19th century French cigar case (spectacles case, evening purse) comes forward with really no evidence it was ever used. Well, I used it once as an evening after-hours meeting 'purse' when I worked for Paramount, Inc., as I sometimes did with my cigar cases. Tuck in a credit card and car keys and business cards, and that's all you really needed then. What an eye-catching conversation opener. This was one of my favorites, all that lustre of the mother of pearl, and the fine tortoise shell in magnificent condition all over. The chocolate and cognac coloration is so opulent and the satin surface so elegant in the hand. Yes, this was a cigar case, the red leather expanding baffles there in sides to allow for 6 cigars, matches tucked in their pouch beneath the one silk satin flap. Even the fine white silk piping is pristine. No stains - isn't it just the best! Measurements are noted on photos, but it is nearly 6" long, slightly larger than most.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. I can tell you there are 2 tiny 'flaws' you will be hard-pressed to see. With the natural shrinkage of the old shell, that large silver inlay has very slightly buckled in3 spots. Really just catches the light differently. I fine one tiny 1mm bit of mother of pearl inlay missing. The leather baffles are in very good condition, no splits. No bug bites around any edging. A tiny tiny natural imperfection or two but really, it is like new. BUT, it dates c.1850-70, Napoleon III, or mid-Victorian era. Don't miss it. The best!
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.
