In a space of 10" x 4" x 2.25", a Napoleon era French Master created a compact travel kit, set, nécessaire of incomparable elegance, 25 essential tools for the comfort of a high military officer, most often, but this one has an engraved crest upon the shield up top that includes the crown of a French Compte (Count). I did try to identify by the interesting crest but so far have not located the history and name of that first owner who commissioned this set and used it almost not at all based on the fine condition. As noted, the layered trousse (kit) holds grooming implements from razors to teeth cleaning tools and toothbrush, to sewing tools, needles thimble and thread spool, silk winder stars, and then even writing tools, 18k gold trimmed pen and pencil in the one tube, an inkwell. Many other items, including the shaving mirror, which I failed to show (back side of the wood panel with finger hole in it). Remarkably fine condition, as typically these have lost nearly all of the items that once rested in the carved recesses made especially to house them and protect them all. As was the case with many luxuries in its time, you'll notice the ivory**. It's hard to not have that in the finest goods of that era, and this is a museum quality set, to be sure. Lots of photos, and our first inclusion of a video. While we show some other items for ambiance, you are buying the 1 primary object shown in all of the photos. There are 3 layers of necessary items within, and the working lock still has its original key. NOTE: some years ago they changed rule on antique **ivory, and at that time we crated up an enormous inventory of fine French antiques. I realized opening this one up, I have 2-3 lesser ones yet to list and sell. Watch for those a little later if your budget doesn't work for this exceptionally fine one, all sold separately.
Very good to excellent condition throughout, age and type considered. The solid wood box is in remarkable condition for age, no warp, no cracks, no damage. Original lock and key, everything fits smoothly into the hand carved recess made for the implement. There are 25 items, counting the shaving mirror (not shown - I'll add a photo later). Now over 220 years old, a little age showing on the steel blade of razors, but no cracks to the finest quality and properly aged ivory used. 18k gold trim on razor hinge-pins and on needle case and pen/pencil cases. The comb is fine tortoise shell, original to the space/fitted holder. Missing 3 items: scissors, pocket knife, one boot strap pull - oh, and one small ivory thread spool. One is there but an open fitting opposite would have held a second one. So 4 pieces missing. Flaws: Each of the 2 star-shaped silk winders have a couple broken tips; Stopper is stuck in the neck of the perfume flask/flacon, which still holds liquid. In trying to remove it, someone has chipped a small bit of the neck of the bottle, but no leaks at all. Cap screws on tightly. Truly a museum quality set - those are most often missing something. I know, having spent half my life in museums and antique markets. Best of these we've ever had. Truly RARE!
**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.
