I've debated on this offering. The stunning c.1700s French scent etui will perfectly house that c.1700s (same period) French perfume flacon, flask, bottle, but in order to do so and close the lid, one would need to remove that original sealing wax plug/seal up top. I'm reluctant to do it, both historically and for the possible fragility of the top of the very old perfume flask. So, displayed together as they are, we're making it a combination offering with the understanding that any decision to remove the sealing wax will be made by its next owner. Flask does slip perfectly into the etui, which has a sort of spring-loaded hinged cap, but that cap won't close over it until the wax is removed. Measurements are noted on photos. The tortoise shell etui is superb! Part of my collections, time to downsize myself. The gold is 18k, the pique work the tiniest and most elegantly delicate ever. A museum quality treasure, this. That it has the suitable period perfume - all the better for collectors.
Very good to excellent condition. I can find no flaw to note apart from a tiniest 1mm bug bite back near hinge. You have to hold to angle of light in order to see it. The workmanship is magnificent. I've long collected these, and this is a personal favorite. Oh, if we only knew to whom it first belonged, c.1750s or so. The 270 year old perfume has not even discolored. It's so tempting, isn't it, to open just to see what it might smell like today. The upper lip of the flacon is complete. I think the tiny stopper seems to be, as well. It is just still under perfumer's seal. Quite rare, indeed.
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.
