From my own collections of decades, this is a larger format card case, evening clutch purse entirely of ivory, c. 1850-70, Napoleon III era. The focal point on case top is that prancing and perfect spaniel, dog. I've never seen another made like this, all in ivory, a box-like hinged style which opens flat to reveal the original red silk lining and sections, which include a bit of the old notebook. Today's business cards will easily fit inside this one, along with a cc for an evening out.
Very good for age and type, this one is complete, and I've used it as an evening purse, card clutch at after-hours meetings. Great conversation starter, and it will hold our modern business cards, as noted. The interior is the original old silk, and it's not in perfect condition (see images). Also, while there are no missing panels of shell or ivory, there are visible separations at seams. Might have always been, but one is tempted to glue/clamp and have them tighten up. I displayed it for decades just like it is. Everyone loved it!
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.
