A superb tiny treasure, c.1770-1810, Georgian or Louis XVI to French Empire era, it is likely it originally held a small flask with smelling salts or perfume, and was used like a vinaigrette, opened and held to the nose as one traveled among crowds of likely unwashed persons, a defense against the odors of lower hygiene. This one has survived in such fine form, and is complete with all of the inlays of French sterling silver pique work, still nicely hinged and with clasp working, a little gem of a case or box. Would that we could find the proper tiny perfume vial, but it is lost to time. A perfect one, however, to use as a match safe - a fabulous gift for a smoker of cigars, for instance - the luxury of it. It is just 2" in length, perfectly preserved. Deep chocolate tortoise shell with only a spot of two of cognac.
Very good to excellent for age and type. Still has the original interior liners, visible in the open image. No warp, no damage to report. Full measurements noted on the photos.
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.
