Antique Victorian Era, Napoleon III French Coin Purse in Tortoise Shell with Sterling Inlay, Tortoiseshell

These charming little coin purses of shell, made in France, were usually part of a set comprised of the coin purse, a necessaire (card case) and/or a prayer book, all with matching shell and style, design, and were gifts given at confirmation ceremonies, or 1st communion. The sets often came in beautiful fitted leather presentation cases, and we have a few of those listed in our shop if you search a bit. But most often, these survive as individual little treasures, having lost their companions through time, or perhaps just the old original fitted presentation cases. I have several to list, and will note only the differences in each:

Napoleon III era coin case in deep dark chocolate shell with the occasional touch of cognac appearing, steam-formed into the outer halves of a lovely coin purse, and inlaid with fine French sterling silver 'L' monogram as cartouche. Retains the original claret-red moire silk lined interior with white piping still intact, as well as the pleated sections as you see them in our photos. Measurements appear on the photos.

Very good condition for age and type, this one is very well preserved. It has the external appearance of one that was cherished but not used much, if at all. The lining is in used and somewhat tattered condition consistent with age, and does have some loss and rips or tears at the pleats. Lockable compartment (into which one's tithe would have been put, of course) is fully intact and operational. The only flaw I can see to note is that a 2" length of the silver stringing has gone missing on the top half, nearest the clasp (visible in photos) No hairlines or cracks, no chips or even bug bites.

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.