I just never pass one of these late 1700s boxed sets by, and this one is particularly wonderful - still in the original presentation box, 2 covered compartments with 18k gold knobs under which one would store sealing wax and quilt or pen nibs. The recesses in the silk velvet lined interior of the beautiful old box still hold agate handled letter opener with elaborately engraved decoration on both sides - don't miss the hunter and birds on one side; a wax seal which does not yet have an engraved monogram matrix, and the 3rd implement is the scraper blade which was then the 'eraser'. In that time, paper was hand made, scarce, and if one made a mistake, the blade was used to literally scrape some of the 100% cotton rag fibers from which the paper was created, in order to remove the word or letter. One did not crumple and toss a page - paper was an expensive commodity. There is one tool missing - it should also have a long handled pen. The agate being rather fragile, I'm sure the pen was likely broken at some point, lost from this precious old set. It is, however, just the type of pen one might well find at some little Paris street market. Next time I am there, I will be watching for one to match this set - although you're sure to buy this set away from us by then. A hunt theme in the acid-engraved blade of the letter opener won't last long!
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, if you'll notice, the set seems to have never been used and the box and interior remain almost like new. Silk satin inside lid lining has a loss area, but that's the simplest panel of liner to replace should you wish to. The fitted silk velvet lower half is excellent, still has the compartment covers (often lost), and each still has its 18k gold knobs. As noted, the original set would have included an agate handled dip pen (nibs would fit into the mount at end). That pen is missing from the set. The slightly curved sharp bladed 'eraser' has a tiny chip to the very tip of its agate handle (almost slips by the eye). The agate handled seal is valuable all on its own, and we have a few right now (shown in final photo), all sold separately. The real showstopper of this set would be the letter opener. Be sure to enjoy that amazing work of art that is the blade - both sides acid engraved in a splendid hunt theme, design. Late 1700s set. The box is without losses, all hooks in place. Gold embossed lid, still elegant, though it shows a few rubs. I could have touched those up with our green shoe polish, but did not. You should see original state. If our buyer wishes to have those touched up, I do have the professional leather dye French polish to do it. Just ask.
