A very fine quality cigarette case, c. 1890- 1900, Edwardian era. Steam-molded fine tortoise shell comprises each half of this double-sided case, and elastic remains on each fitted side to hold cigarettes, cheroot, small cigars. These are wonderful as card cases, too, or to tuck some money and a credit card into each side, or your car keys and some cash for an evening out. The case is elegantly shaded in mostly chocolate brown with a bit of cognac showing through. High sateen polish finishes it well. The pushbutton latch holds tightly and works perfectly well. A case you'll love to use or give as a gift.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. No warp, no chips or cracks or bites or breaks. I think the elastic within is replacement for the original leather strapping that would have been inside it when new over 100 years ago. Begs to be held, it is so pretty!
The vast majority of worked and antique object tortoise shell material comes from the shells of two species of sea turtles: the hawksbill (Eretmo-chelys imbricata) and, more rarely, the green turtle (see box A). The shells of these turtles exhibit attractive patterns that normally consist of light to dark brown patches, though a homogeneous “cream”-colored variety called blond tortoise shell also exists. We (and all but DNA test experts) are unable to distinguish between Asian and African elephant ivory, and c.1400-1800s trade routes bringing same into Europe sourced both.
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. We do hold a USDFW import/export license, as well.
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.
