I used to buy these whenever I see one that is in very good condition, and love the way they look all on display within a large oval centrepiece glass bowl that allows the shell to show in all its glory. This one is such a beauty, even though it's got a bug bite spot on rim of the backside (see our photos for the detail and your own evaluation). The pique work and cartouche are in 18k gold, and it's not only complete, but just beautiful in person. Mottled chocolate to cognac coloration, all the rich natural beauty inherent in the old shell. The interior is nicely preserved, a royal purple moire silk with white piped edging. The two halves are each baffled in leather so they can expand to accommodate the 6 or so cigars originally anticipated as its load. Most of us now use these for our reading glasses, perhaps also tucking in a credit card and some cash and a house key for those evenings out. These are lovely as evening purses, ladies. Don't think of it only as a cigar case.
Very good condition, with a mention of one spot on backside that has a bug bite, and we've noted it in our photos for your evaluation. 18k gold pique on this one, as well as an 18k gold cartouche that bears the monogram A R. Clasp works well, as do the hinges, and the royal purple silk interior fittings remain in quite fine condition. No stains or doors. The silver metal frame has corrosion, could perhaps be improved, but we have not done anything to it. The old leather forming the baffles has a bit of age and some small splits at a fold here or there, but not too much. The shell is remarkably beautiful.
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. We do hold a valid USFWS license, as well, for import/export, but additional time is required for export, and we are not exporting at this time.
