What a beautiful little tuck-in-purse antique French fan, and lauded maker, Ernest Kees signature affirms the quality. Long striations on the bone guards and sticks are proof of ox or bovine bone. No breaks to it, and that gossamer silk and gauze leaf with all its hand sewn sparkles (sequins and borders of gold foil) create an eye-catching shimmer of riches. Full measurements noted on photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, it's been stored and kept very nicely these 120 or so years. You'll note a few inlaid roundels in the bone have gone missing, but not many. There are no splits to the leaf, and a remarkably well-preserved gold foil trim and ribbon remain. You see the E. Kees signature there, and I'll point out what I'd say is its only true flaw, a few small spots which might well have been a spritz of perfume, leaving a little pink spot and tinier spots (greatly enlarged). Beautiful for collector or to actually use, it's definitely a strong enough one to be used. A bride's 'something old'?
