Time to sell a lot of our 'this and that' spare items - I'll be listing loads of them in weeks ahead. The things we set aside in deference to more fabulous or valuable antiques just owing to time constraints. Amazing how that relegated 'this and that' has multiplied over time! This is one such tucked away item I've had for decades. Superb 18th century to early 19th century ivory card case with an opulent cut steel pique name up top. In fact, it seems more likely it is sterling silver pique, bright and no rust spots on them. Imagine doing work like that - forming tiny faceted beads with pins to have added the name, Ricordati Sima" to the cover. Such delicate work, and almost entirely intact. The old original moire silk lining and the silk hinge are also there and still in very fine condition. Something gifted, no doubt, and kept for centuries. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Excellent condition throughout, a nod to one or two of the silver pique facet gem inlays lost to time. I remember finding this one decades ago, marveling at the condition of the silk, and it's only been stored here since then, in archival conditions. Even the very old panels of ivory are without loss or damage. Not even a tiny corner nip. Very special piece of a long ago past.
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.
