This compact elegant sewing case (etui), set is French, c.1850-70 Napoleon III era, and remains so fine, it's as if it's never been used. Not a bit of damage to case or the 18k layered .800/1000 silver (nearly sterling) and no chips at all to the little crystal scent or salts, perfume bottle or to the case, itself. Bright ivory color and heavy and silky in the hand, it's a stunning fine case! The carved cartouche with an overlaid J G or G J makes me want to change my name. I feel quite certain it is a Dieppe carved case. Full measurements and silver marks on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type - all that's there. As you can see, it has lost the scissors and the bodkin (ribbon threading needle) at some point, so it is a project item, and I'm selling out all of the projects. I always think, "Another reason to fly to Paris! I need to find replacements!", but that's become a more difficult task for me by this time. There is a name on the thimble, beautifully engraved. There is a single imperfection on this heavy ivory etui: you see just a hairline arched up from the hinge to back side. Stable, tight, pressure perhaps from the hinge screws as it was made.
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.
