RARE Antique French c.1700s Georgian Era Silver and Mother of Pearl Necessaire, Etui
RARE Antique French c.1700s Georgian Era Silver and Mother of Pearl Necessaire, Etui
RARE Antique French c.1700s Georgian Era Silver and Mother of Pearl Necessaire, Etui
RARE Antique French c.1700s Georgian Era Silver and Mother of Pearl Necessaire, Etui
RARE Antique French c.1700s Georgian Era Silver and Mother of Pearl Necessaire, Etui
RARE Antique French c.1700s Georgian Era Silver and Mother of Pearl Necessaire, Etui
RARE Antique French c.1700s Georgian Era Silver and Mother of Pearl Necessaire, Etui
RARE Antique French c.1700s Georgian Era Silver and Mother of Pearl Necessaire, Etui
RARE Antique French c.1700s Georgian Era Silver and Mother of Pearl Necessaire, Etui

RARE Antique French c.1700s Georgian Era Silver and Mother of Pearl Necessaire, Etui

常规价格 $695.00
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From my own collection of these c.1750-80s 'necessaire', it's one of only a very few I've had in this shimmering rainbow of reflection mother of pearl. Each panel carved, arched, polished, and mounted with silver stringing dividing them, and this one is a rainbow of brilliantly colors radiating, changing with the lighting. Typically, one might expect to open the silver mount and find a set of grooming tools within, the 'necessities' a gentleman might require in travel, tucked neatly into a small vest pocket sized case. Elevated to things of great beauty, as with this one, a gentleman might well own a variety of them, as with precious snuff boxes. This one is not fitted with the typical implement rack, and remains open. Some were fitted with a scent or 'salts' bottle. Perhaps this was one, though no flask was with it when I purchased it in France ages ago.  One of my favorites, it is just over 3 5/8" long. 

Very good to excellent condition for age and type. Not a single flaw in the hand-carved and brilliantly polished slabs of mother of pearl which comprise the  body and cap. Not even a tiny chip. Very rare fine condition. The hinged silver mount and trim around the slightly widening lid, the trim and clasp - all excellent as well. These were usually leather-clad, or shagreen-clad, and rarely mother of pearl. The pearl panels are a bit fragile and not many survive. Most are in museum collections and the few that do come to market don't last long. I suspect this one will be the same. Isn't it a gem!