RARE Antique Grand Tour Eglomise Jewelry Box, Casket, Tortoise Shell, Westminster Abbey - Tortoiseshell

$1,995.00 $1,396.50

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Dated 1850s, this fabulous and rare antique jewelry or possibly spoons box is a sparkling example of the art of Victorian/Napoleon III era 'eglomise' or back-painted glass souvenir items that proliferated during the early Grand Tour era. This one in particular is of finest quality, made as you see it in fine old natural shell. This type is the most sought after and rarest of all, and most more common eglomise souvenir items were made later in glass caskets, a big collection of which can be viewed in our Ruby Lane shop at any given time (we love these!). The depiction you see here of Westminster Abbey in England is likely one made by French artisans, artists, however, since the French seemed to be leaders in this type of trade goods. The underlaying of the painting with panels of abalone or mother of pearl shell provided that added shimmer of light and play of jewel-like finish you see here from the windows and backing up the clouds in the sky. A superb casket, it is a RARE treat to offer it.

Very good condition. The body of the casket is in fine shape, with no chips or cracks to the shell veneer, which is a rich and elegant cognac and chocolate coloration, all natural. There are a couple of spots of flaw on the old eglomise cartouche, easily visible in our images. Still, for this type, a masterpiece! Don't miss this one.

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.

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