There are 83 fine antique French paste faux diamonds (paste gems, look so much like diamonds, it's amazing) set into silver, accented by a flattened rope of 18k gold, and set across the top of this very large c.1840-60 tiara comb. Each 'gem' is 4mm in diameter, and they are brilliant! The overall impression is opulent and crown-like. Extra large, it is 6" long and 4.5" widest, with pristine original steamed arch to the flaring top, and also to the tines. Napoleon III, earliest years, I think. Though the adornment has an earlier feel, and might well have been remounted from a French Empire period (c.1810) tiara to this later shell one, large like a mantilla, almost. The c.1830 box shown with it is not original, will not hold it, and was just from our 'props' stash to show it in a pretty and period way.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. It hasn't a nip, bug bite, gem loss, nor anything to detract from your enjoyment nor its future value. Superb! Photos from all angles. We did not polish. We did acid test the 18k gold trim set between the rows of paste gems. I did not test the silver into which they're set. Measurements noted on photos. Very few, very slight abrasions of the centuries can be seen here or there on angle to light. A stunning piece!
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.
