Certainly a Napoleon III era piece, with this very Victorian (Napoleon III) "Japonaise" inspired theme in the silver and abalone, mother of pearl inlays. This fabulous tri-color pique work and truly creates immense appeal on this one, overcoming the slightly less than pristine condition in which it arrives to us. More one you'll want to display than to use, but a beauty for display! No flaws to the shell front or back, however, and a fine case for use or display.
Very good condition, with a slight lift to the silver cartouche that centers the front and onto which monogram might be engraved. No other rises to inlays of pique work in tri color metal. The case top has missing abalone or mother of pearl inlays which would have been shaped like flowers (4) and which are clearly noted in our images. Clasp and hinge work perfectly and interior's original silk lining is clean and in fine shape, too. The Interior retains the original royal blue silk or satin lining & pockets. One pocket has separated from the side but we might be able to repair it with a little glue and will update the listing if so. See images for measurements.
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. We do hold a USDFW import/export license, as well.
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.
