When new, mid-1700s, this would have been a real treasure. I'm certain it would have had 18k gold sewing tools inside, none of which survive with the etui at this time. And it is not perfect, as you can see, but for anyone who collects sewing sets, or appreciates 18th century arts, artisan pieces, it is a beauty to display. Fine caramel color tortoise shell with inlays, pique in 18k gold, and a central figural cartouche. Photos show it well from all angles. It's not perfect, and is as is.
Poor to good condition, but a gem of its era and to be treasured. The pique work is 18k gold, an entirely hand crafted etui which still has beauty. Photos show all for your review. NOTE: While it's shown on silk embroidered panels, they are not included and are simply there as a photo prop.
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.
