A spectacularly rare 18th century 'necessaire', made similarly to the Louis XVI era Billet Dous, a wooden tube with sliding caps on each end - one side with mirror and foil is a patch box, and the other end opens to reveal a triangle form fine scent bottle and 4 sterling silver and vermeil vanity and sewing implements. That odd one is a tongue scraper, another is a tweezer, and the ear wax spoon has a toothpick at its other end. A ribbon needle (bodkin) rounds out the vanity tools (all the better to re-dress your amour). The tiny stopper remains in the scent flask, flacon, and the cap is 18k gold. Exterior is entirely hand painted with French Romantic Era scenes in manner of Boucher, Fragonard and the mid-1700s French artists, depicting courting scenes. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. Fine Vernis Martin hand painted exterior is a true work of art, layered paint and varnish invented by the Brothers Martin. Queen Marie-Antoinette's favorite decorative items. This is a museum piece - I have never seen another made like this. Metal fitting shows it is entirely original and it is in remarkable find condition, complete!
