We've had a miniature just 2 'minaudiére' of this size or style in 25 years of collecting - in more of a compact or rouge pot size - usually the French minaudiére is a bit larger and is most often also rectangular in shape. Here we have a small oval one, complete in every detail, however, as the larger ones are - hinged interior compartments and a hinged mirror as well. Also very rare is that the interior metal hinges, etc. are all in gilded 800 to sterling silver or vermeil, tiny diamond shaped maker marks and French boar's head markings assure it is .800/1000 French silver, and some of the vermeil, or gold layer has deteriorated. The 18k gold cartouche is a DDD intertwined monogram. Perfect for use and/or display!
The condition is very good. No chips or cracks, and only the very minimum of bug nibbles to note as minor flaws. We've greatly enlarged to show you, but they're truly not noticeable when in use or to the naked eye. A RARE treat, and in fine old chocolate shell - and still protected by the original suede leather sleeve.
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. We do hold a valid USFWS license, as well, for import/export, but additional time is required for export, and we are not exporting at this time.
