The superb English tortoise shell case is shown in our images with a pre or early Victorian (c. 1830s) portrait miniature inside, which is not included, but which is shown in order to give you an idea of what this case actually is. It is a case or traveler's etui to house a gold framed portrait miniature. We've had cases like this made for pocket watch, but this is the only one I've seen for portrait miniatures. The case is superb, almost immaculate, really. It is steam-formed to have an convex curve to the lid, and rounded corners. As you can see, the finest shell has been used, with magnificent cognac to chocolate coloration. The interior is still fitted for portrait, in the same way we've seen some of these cases fitted for pocket watches. Quite unique for it to hold a painting in oval frame, however.
The case is in superb condition, as you can see from our photographer's excellent images of it. The finish is quite polished and the stringing is all intact. The hinges are tight and the clasp holds well and is easy to release with the pushbutton, as intended. Interior lining is even in very good condition and is silk and silk velvet in a cream color, showing a bit of age to the nap and some darkening.
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.
