From my own longtime collection, I've had this one for decades. Rare in this large size, these type of late Victorian to Edwardian era (19th century) fine tortoise shell boxes were Dutch made. I have half of another one this size, and it is fitted for tea service with fine sterling silver vermeil tea spoon set (see final photo) but it misses its top. This elegant old beauty might well have been fitted the same. The interior's original lining has been lost to the centuries, and a silk velvet bottom liner put in its place at some point. If you're handy, it just begs to have a silk moire lined interior bottom, doesn't it. If I find the time, I'll do it and list it finished at a higher value. I digress. These splendid old English boxes are made with steam-shaped convex lids that are the shell along and not as veneer. The coloration of the box, therefore, showing whether open or closed. Brilliant at table, they would compliment the most elegant tea service or dressing table top, should you wish it to be a jewelry box. The lip edging top and bottom is ivory veneer and the carved bun feet are, as well. The bottom and sides of the box are a lightweight wood with tortoise shell veneer. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition on all sides and top. There are no cracks nor chips or breaks in all of that stunning old tortoise shell. Ivory lip remains intact. As noted above, the interior bottom of the large box has lost it's lining/fittings, and is slightly rough with only a blue silk velvet panel set in place. Begs to be lined in silk moire, sides and bottom. There is a working lock but I do not have a key to fit it at listing time. Displays elegantly. I love the sleek form on these, and can certainly see them in a modern decor as well as among antiques. Versatile!
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.
