We have 2 others of these, slightly smaller (shown with this one in one of our final photos, but fitted in 15-16k gold, each selling separately. This one is fitted in sterling silver, has a hinged clasp with the monogram of the original owner. They're made with a steam- rolled edge into which a stylus would have originally been fitted. The stylus is no longer in its mount, but these can often be found in a variety of decorative finishes from 18k gold with jewel at top to a plain pencil of less than 2mm diameter. The writing is as charming as is the necessaire, but we'll leave the secrets of it for the next owner to enjoy in private. A 'necessaire' is actually the forerunner of today's i-calendar feature of the iPhone or iPad, as it was used to note engagements, schedules, notes of a diary or names/addresses of those one might meet. Considered a required item of refined living, these survive in many forms. None more lovely than the old shell ones, however. That these are trimmed in fine crafted sterling silver, or others in 16k gold, tells us they were of rather high cost when made.
Very good condition for age and type. There is just one being sold in this listing, the silver-mounted 4" long one shown. Writing within for you to discover, original to the owner in 19th century. Notations of flaws are made on the images. Neither one have very small flaws.
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.
