Exquisite 18k gold French sewing tools in their original c.1810-30 tortoise shell & gold/silver pique worked etui. Larger than most of the old sewing etui or cases from the period, the embroidery tools are in fine order for use or display. Scissors, thimble, bodkin, needle case and stiletto, each in beautifully hand crafted 18k yellow gold (French tiny punch marks in place. The outer case is elaborately worked with floral bouquets and scrolling border artistry, no lifts nor losses on any of it. This is my personal set, finally up for sale (downsizing). Measurements are noted on the photos, but it is a hair under 4 1/2" tall.
The vast majority of worked and antique object tortoise shell material comes from the shells of two species of sea turtles: the hawksbill (Eretmo-chelys imbricata) and, more rarely, the green turtle (see box A). The shells of these turtles exhibit attractive patterns that normally consist of light to dark brown patches, though a homogeneous “cream”-colored variety called blond tortoise shell also exists.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. You can see there has been a very old restoration of a crack on the back panel (down from hinge area) lower half of the etui. It's firmly done, and ages ago (restoration is at least antique by now, holding firm). One hardly notices that single flaw, the overall beauty overwhelming it by great measure. None finer than this one. Absolutely a museum piece.
NOTE regarding Antique tortoise shell or ivory: We are great supporters of protection for endangered species. 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.
