I know, I know, I seem to really be drawn to certain types of antiques. I do buy what I love. I always think you'll love them, too. These old pearl 'half egg' trinkets do catch my eye. This one, and numerous others from a recently disbursed Paris estate, is superb. Not a bit of damage to it, not even a tiny nip anywhere, shell nor inkwell. Bright ormolu alloy framework and even retains the old lid/cap to the cranberry glass inkwell. Considering this quite fragile little trinket hails from some 170 or more years ago, one can fully appreciate how rare it is to present so beautifully. These little mother of pearl shell and ormolu trinkets, a variety of them, most likely were first presented from the boutiques flanking the garden promenade of the old Palais Royal, Paris. A stone's throw from the Louvre, it is the old Palace of Cardinal Richelieu, who of course was guardian to the 4-year old King Louis XIV until he reached age of majority and took his place as The Sun King of France. Trinkets and on to the most elegant wares of all kinds were available from the Palais Royal boutiques, and it was a center of society, commerce and theatre, dining for nearly 200 years of French history. Actually, it remains an active center for those things, but with modern stores filling most of the open boutiques. Grand Tour souvenirs, the old opaline 'eggs' finest French Sterling silver, most opulent Sevres and top makers of goods - the things we seek out most today probably mostly came from that area of old Paris.
Very good to excellent condition. I can't find a flaw to note other than the chain for the inkwell cap would have been longer and attached. No chips, no cracks, no hairlines. The mother of pearl is brilliant in pearlescent shimmer and color - all 3 half shells. Highly polished inside and out, it's even gorgeous on the bottom. Measurements are noted on photos. The pen shown does not go with it, just shown as a prop. Measurements are noted on photos.
