Beautiful antique Victorian era tortoise shell cigar case or etui with ornate multi-color pique inlay, "AF" monogram and original moire silk fitted interior! Purchased in the USA, and pre-dates the ban by almost 100 years, this one is a superb mid-1800s French creation in shell that is inlaid with a beautiful cartouche with 2 shields for monogram. The condition is just not perfect, noted with flaws as our images show it to be, but the chocolate and cognac shell is beautifully mottled, quite well preserved in this fine old French treasure. A crimson silk moire lining that is original and is remarkably unscathed by time, though it does have some staining. Imperfect, it is sold 'as is' and priced accordingly. One can normally find these here or there, and if one wishes to use this case, the clasp and hinges work fine but there's a bit of warp to the panels of shell, as noted. But it's a fabulous display item just as it stands.
Very good condition for age. These are c. 1840-60, very Napoleon III and with a Japonaise influence to the inlay, consistent with the era. The rear panel has a slight warp to one side, visible in the images, and there are a few tiny nips to the edges of the shell panels. See pictures for all measurements.
