Rare little spectacular bit of 18th century life, this little boite à mouche (flea box) a type of nécessaire, is in remarkably fine condition for age, and has appeal over and above most that do remain. Louis XV to XVI era when the little round patches were applied to the face and bodice as a beauty mark, these miniature minaudière is complete with a courting couple inlaid as cartouche, along with overall decor of 18k gold starbursts, but it also has a pair of figures on the inner compartment lids. Not too many years ago, one like this would have brought $1500 or more, but we're downsizing my old collections. This is my very favorite one ever! Full measurements noted on photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, all hinges intact and well set, no breaks. Surprisingly I don't see any of the 18k gold stars missing. The strapping and pique borders are also still flush with the blond tortoise shell. Rare mid-18th century luxury item, superb condition.
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.
