Of course I'm fascinated by these 18th century necessaire, loving travel and antiques as I do. This one is an elegantly cast dore bronze case with 5 implements still inside (missing hands on scissors, and I can see from fittings, it once had a small folding knife and 1 other tool. The etui would have tucked easily into a pocket or saddlebags for travel in the late 1700s. As you can see, what remains is in very good condition. The scissors might be a replacement. I think the set would have originally been scissors with hinged handles to fold even more slender for the etui. As is often the case, a couple of missing pieces. All in all, one we're passing along as a project. Full measurements noted on our photos.
Very good to excellent for age and type, both exterior and interior are very fine and well preserved. The clasp and hinge are excellent and pushbutton works smoothly and well. Beautiful exterior on this one! Missing 2 pieces - a knife and perhaps a pencil/stylus, but if you take it along with you to Paris antiques markets and street markets, surely you'll find suitable period replacements, often available separated from their own etui long ago. It's really quite a fun 'quest' to take on. "I have to go to Paris to find a pocket knife for this!" always works! I've used it for years - smile.
