A superb late 1700s to earliest 1800s French necessaire, vanity etui, vest pocket tools case in silver and shagreen (galuchat, leather made from belly of stingray or shark), which is complete with all original implements (15 pieces in all). It is missing just 1 tool - you can see that one rounded open spot next to the scissors. The remaining useful tools include scissors, bodkin with open ear wax spoon at opposite end, The round tube has another capped tube inside and within that a RARE ginger grater, each enclosing Into the nested handles which have 2 knife blades and a fork, and 2 other screw-on tools, as shown on photos. Rare to have this type of folding handle scissors and also very rare to retain the hinge 2-leave note/measuring tool. Those are most often lost to time. Additional hinged metal measuring tool and a compass makes this a possible sea captain's or military officer's set, tools to read maps and distances. Full measurements noted on the photos, but it is heavier and larger than many of these, 4 3/8" tall, weighs 14 oz.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, (over 220 years old now), only 1 tool missing from all original set. The shagreen leather covering is in good form as these go, a few flaws to be seen in close inspection but not large losses, some shrinkage to the very old leather. A typically ornate gentleman's etui or necessaire, more functional than 'elegant' like some smaller ones we have which are offered separately, this exceptionally large one would have been made for engineers, architects, military use in the field. Look for those!
