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Antiques & Uncommon Treasure
Best of the BEST! 17th to 19th c. French sterling silver, Georgian jewelry, sewing etc
$251 USD SaleSALE Unusual Antique Faux Tortoise Shell - Tortoiseshell Case is a Match Vesta - Silk Lined!
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
You'd think from the outside that this little darling was a coin purse, but open it to find that it is fitted out instead as a match vesta. This is, then, a case made for a gentleman, most likely. VERY French in the inlaid decorative cartouche up top, with a blank (monogram-ready) shield. Beautiful shell, fine interior - it would be a wonderful gift for the gentleman in your life. Very good condition, as shown in our images.
$506 USD SaleSALE Unique Antique Georgian to Victorian Era Faux Tortoise Shell Etui, Case for an Oval Frame, Portrait Miniature
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
The case is shown in our images with a late Georgian (c. 1830s) portrait miniature inside, which is not included, but which is shown in order to give you an idea of what this case actually is. It is a case or traveler's etui to house a gold framed portrait miniature. The case is superb, almost immaculate, really. It is steam-formed to have an convex curve to the lid, and rounded corners. As you can see, the finest shell has been used, with magnificent cognac to chocolate coloration. The interior ...
$676 USD SaleSALE VF 19th C. Faux Tortoise Shell Fan-Fold Card Case - Purse in Tortoiseshell
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
Oversized and over-appealing, this is one of the most stunning old shell items we've got. The shell itself is just gorgeous on this one, a polished satin shine to it, and perfectly flawless, as well. The interior of this case is all the original accordion/fan pleated sections, for a variety of business cards, or credit cards/cash - your imagination runs wild! A fabulous accent or addition to you collection on tabletop, this one is a MUST have!
$1,866 USD SaleSALE Very Rare Antique French Naughty Miniature Portrait Painting, Blond Tortoise Shell Snuff Box with 18k Pique
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
One of the finest old Napoleonic era to Louis Philippe 'naughty' or highly sensual themed miniature painting-beset tortoise shell snuff boxes. The snuff box is adorned with hundreds of 18k gold stars and other pique inlays, making this more like a bit of jewelry than a box. You rarely ever find these at market anymore, so many are lost to the ages or to museum collections, private collections. This is a superb example of a late 1700s gentleman's vest pocket snuff box, finest quality and in ...
$336 USD SaleSALE Antique Georgian Era Patch Box or Tooth Pick Case, Etui
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
Whether this one was made to hold tooth pick (usually gold) or beauty patches (the small black dots people applied to the face and bodice as beauty marks), the navette shape and beautiful old mottled shell surely thrilled the original owner each time it was brought out for use. And the next owner, lo these 200 plus years hence, will also thrill at this one - pristine as it truly is! My photographer has it upside down in some images, with the velveted side looking like the lid, the other side, ...
$192 USD SaleSALE Antique FAUX Tortoise Shell Snuff Box, French, c. 1780 - 1830
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
Slightly warped on the lid, as you can see, but these very old shell boxes made with the earliest shell mimic, casein, if they can be found at all, are often warped or more damaged owing to age and use. The one you see here is imperfect, but very charming as it is. The price we've set allows you to add it to your collection at a fraction of its value, were it not for the imperfections, and it is a very old one. The indentations you see in the lid are incised forms into which gold leaf would have ...
$421 USD SaleSALE Antique Victorian French Faux Tortoise Shell Calling Card Case
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
With stunning detail and craftsmanship, the beautiful old French calling card case presents in near-pristine condition for age and type. The shell is in pristine condition here, in spite of it being c. 1840-70 in age. The outer veneer is of a delightful chocolate shell, mottling of cognac here and there. Inlaid with silver monogrammed cartouche, some silver stringing - isn't it just gorgeous! Not quite large enough to hold a credit card or today's business cards, but fold a couple of $100 bills ...
$251 USD SaleSALE Leather-lined Antique French Faux Tortoise Shell Coin Purse, Tortoiseshell
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
A leather interior and fine pique work on this antique French shell coin purse or necessaire - glorious gold pique & mother of pearl inlay with an "M M" monogram. No, it's not possible to have too many wonderful small shell coin purses! Here's proof positive that one more can hold an unexpected surprise, and tempt you yet again to add to your own collection. Who can turn down these beautiful antiques? Not me! Here is a lovely old tortie coin purse that has the original split leather liner still ...
$294 USD SaleSALE Antique English Tortoise Shell Needles Box, Caddy - Tortoiseshell
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
Seems strange to think that anyone would go to so much trouble to create a box specially for packets of needles, doesn't it - in our time, at least, it would be paper or plastic. But in early Victorian times, a tiny wooden casket of wood, domed beautifully and proudly raised on tiny steel feet. That they are veneered so stunningly in fine old shell, though - well, THAT is the real killer touch, isn't it. And here is one of the finest of the old ones, still with its embossed paper liner intact, ...
$421 USD SaleSALE Antique Faux Tortoise Shell Sewing Etui, Implements - Tortoiseshell
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
A bit unusual in form and very pleasing to the eye, I think this 19th century shell half-round case has been refitted over time to now show up as a sewing etui. Might it have once held spectacles? Medical instruments? Perhaps it was a table snuff box. But as you see it here, and the way it comes to us, is as a sewing casket. Embroidery tools shown inside fit the spaces made for them, and lack only a needle case to be complete, but I don't think they are original either to the case or to one ...
$1,441 USD SaleSALE Antique English Faux Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy, Single Well - Superb!
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
A late Victorian caddy with a single interior covered well that still retains remnants of the old foil lining, this caddy is beautifully preserved and the shell is mottled in the most opulent cognac to chocolate coloration - you're going to love owning this one! The lip remains fully intact around the interior and the caddy is raised on 4 nicely pillowed bun feet. No key at listing, but it would appear the lock is a working lock and it's normally not too difficult to get small coffret/casket ...
$336 USD SaleSALE Antique French Pocket Watch Box, Case,Faux Tortoise Shell, Tortoiseshell
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
While it's true that it's missing the hinged interior tray that would hold the pocket watch, this is, nonetheless, a pocket watch box, early 1800s, and French. Beautifully crafted of fine natural materials, a polished brass pencil-edging and stringing to set off the mottled chocolate and cognac of the veneer. And while there is the typical crazing to that old veneer, there are no chips or missing sections and no serious chips. It survives today a testament to the elevation of everyday objects of ...
$506 USD SaleSALE Antique French Pique Faux Tortoise Shell Snuff Box, Shell & Tortoiseshell
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
A most elegantly inlaid pique-work round snuff box, this. Inlays in a variety of colors of metal and enhanced by mother of pearl and abalone to shimmer and give color to the artistry thereon. The domed or convex top of the box is a pristine beauty! Not a nip or nick or hairline or loss. The bottom of the old table snuff box is also just gorgeous, but it has a single flaw to note, which is a bit of that thin lip having been broken away - about 1.25" long, it will not show when box is closed for ...
$421 USD SaleSALE Antique French Necessaire, Card Case in Faux Tortoise Shell - Tortoiseshell
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
Nope! You really can't have too many of these fabulous antique French carnet du bal, or necessaires in shell with pique work, or in ivory, or in leather or whatever - they're a fabulous collection subject, and are as wonderful to display as they are appreciated as gifts. Give yourself another one: Here's a beauty! The fine old shell card case/necessaire is as near to pristine as they get; interior silk satin lining is nearly perfect. The only thing you'll need is a tiny thin pencil to slip into ...
$336 USD SaleSALE Antique French Coin Purse, Fine Faux Tortoise Shell, Tortoiseshell, c. 1850s
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
With a wonderfully preserved interior of original blue silk, this is a superb old French coin purse. Circa 1850-70, these were given as gifts, memento, upon Catholic confirmation, often in boxed sets that included a notepad called a 'necessaire' or 'carte de memoire' and sometimes also with a matching prayer book. These beautiful old items, made with the rich chocolate & cognac mottled scales of shell remain today a testament to the true beauty of the material. Very good to excellent condition ...
$846 USD SaleSALE Antique French 18K Gold Cartouche, Faux Tortoise Shell Table Snuff Box - EC!
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
Amazing condition for a snuff box this old, the one you see here has only a couple of the tiniest bug nips (more to be felt than seen) and is otherwise immaculate. The French gold marks guarantee or control for 1838 Paris is our proof of both origin and age, and the item is just in from Paris and it's well over 150 years of age. Fine chocolate shell with cognac veining, a stunning piece for any collection. This is a good sized table snuff, has no scent to it at all, of course, even though it ...
$1,271 USD SaleSALE Antique Tortoise Shell and Mother of Pearl French Cigar Case - Tortoiseshell
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
A while back we had a tea caddy done in this mother of pearl inlay against tortoise shell, and it sold so fast - I still miss it. I was thrilled to find that same French style of early tortie work this time in a cigar case. Some claim these are actually also tea caddies, and once in a while they're foil lined which can be a bit confusing, but this size/style (even foil lined) are typical cigar cases. Not a vest pocket style, to be sure, but a bureau or tabletop case for office or den. The work ...
$761 USD SaleSALE Antique Victorian Cigar Case, Faux Tortoise Shell, c. 1830-50, Tortoiseshell
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
A magnificent example of the fine application of antique shell into everyday objects, this stunning cigar case from 1840-60s is a work of art suitable for any museum collection. It's in superb condition for age and type, as well, without any losses or damage to report. The case is in vibrantly mottled chocolate and cognac colored shell, and with steam-curved outer rim, is a real beauty. This case is large enough to hold today's larger business cards and your evening's requirements like an ...
$506 USD SaleSALE Antique Edwardian Sterling Silver & Faux Tortoise Shell Casket, Tortoiseshell
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
Fabulous antique English hallmarked sterling silver & shell 2 7/8" jewel casket, an elegant box with pique style silver inlaid lid and cabriole style legs! One of three scrumptious old silver pique caskets that we're listing this week so be sure to take a peek at each while you're with us. Thanks! English sterling silver hallmarks date the piece to the early 1900s, a little bit of 'waviness' to the silver in places and the slightly soiled interior velvet lining the only signs of that age. It did ...
$591 USD SaleSALE Antique Faux Tortoise Shell Carnet Bal, Etui with Silver Inlay & Original Box
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
Beautiful & rare antique French Napoleon III era shell carnet bal or necessaire with ornate reticulated silver inlay, interior ivory page and original fitted presentation box! One of the more beautiful old tortoiseshell pieces we've found lately, this one boasts sleek, elegant thick shell covers, stunning engraved silver floral inlays and a complete interior. Preserved wonderfully in the original fitted box, the shell is as lustrous as can be! Perfect for the collector! Very good condition. The ...
$421 USD SaleSALE Antique Tortoise Shell Sealing Wax Etui or Bodkin Case, French - Tortoiseshell
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
From a time when all letters were sent with a courier as a folded paper, the secreted messages of love and war, elegantly scripted with quill, blotted, then the the letter itself, carefully folded inward into a self-envelope of sorts, and ceremoniously sealed with the crest or monogram of the sender pressed dramatically into melted sealing wax. . . sigh. This fine antique French shell etui with gold band/trim was the exquisite container of that stick of sealing wax when not in use. Compare the ...
$421 USD SaleSALE Antique Faux Tortoise Shell Card Case, Etui, Superb Coloration! Tortoiseshell
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
These larger sized Victorian calling card cases are in high demand and are wonderful for your own business cards and perhaps a credit card tucked inside - use it for after-hours business sessions or meet and greet events; it's great for starting up conversations. I used to use these when I worked for Paramount, and it always seemed to be a conversation opener, getting people (and customers!) past that awkward first few minutes of those endless meetings. A beautiful little luxury from the past, ...
$591 USD SaleSALE Antique Anglo-Indian Faux Tortoise Shell & Ivory Casket, Pocket Watch Fittings
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
Absolutely gorgeous & rare larger sized 19th century Anglo-Indian shell & reticulated carved ivory gentleman's jewelry box! We went quite some time without finding any of this style and no here's one of THREE that we currently have available. All superb pieces and in wonderful condition! Referred to as Vizagapatam or Sadeli boxes because of their origins, made in British East India for the European market and aren't they gorgeous! Beautiful cognac colored shell veneers and decorated with a ...
$251 USD SaleSALE Antique French Snuff Box, Faux Tortoise Shell and Faux Ivory - Elegant & Round
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
Here's a wonderful early 1800s or perhaps late 1700s snuff box, nice and large and round without warping. Top and base fit smoothly, but there is a slight warp to one half of the box, making it not quite fit entirely together (see images - not bad, but bears mention). The old thin pressed brass or gilt metal rim liner used has splits here or there, and we've tried to give enough photos to show all imperfections in this great old box. There are a few age cracks to the side 'rounds' of the ivory ...
$336 USD SaleSALE Antique French Faux Tortoise Shell & 18K Gold Snuff Box, Elegant Tortoiseshell
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
One just cannot have too much beautiful antique shell snuff boxes, can one? I think not! They make a fabulous looking group on tabletop, desktop, in your vitrine or even gathered together with other tortie items in a glass bowl as your centerpiece at table. This one is a beauty, and one you'd feel great about giving as a gift, or keeping it for your own collection. Fine 1830-60 shell in a round snuff, accented beautifully by that 18k gold cartouche deeply set into the top. True, there are a ...
$421 USD SaleSALE Antique 1850-70s French Faux Tortoise Shell Necessaire, Card Case - Tortoiseshell
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
The gold-edged original notepad remains inside the rich Royal purple moire silk covers and interor, and the shell front and back panels are excellent - but the necessaire does have a flaw or two to keep it from being pristine, or expensive. While the nap on the silk velvet spine is no longer there, exposing the original if denuded and faded silk velvet spine as less than it was in its origin, and also the 3 loops of moire silk that would have formed a self-latching housing for a slender long ...
$506 USD SaleSALE Antique French Faux Tortoise Shell Pique Necessaire and Coin Purse Set (2 pieces)
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
A constellation of stars inlaid into the beautiful old chocolate colored shell and a brass shield that awaits your own engraved monogram, should you decide to have it done - don't you just love these magnificent mid-1800s sets! These were a traditional gift to a young woman upon her confirmation (Catholic), and were also quite popular for the tourists on their Grand Tour, and while we often get the individual coin purse or 'aide d' memoire' as this notebook is properly called (memory aid), it's ...
$591 USD SaleSALE Antique French Sterling & Faux Tortoise Shell Etui, Perfume Flask - Tortoiseshell
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
Here is a wonderful small French etui complete with the original glass vial or flask inside that would have been filled with scented oils and used like a vinaigrette, to mask the odors of the world at large before modern hygeine. Sterling silver pique set into rich chocolate colored shell, it's typical of those from 1780 - 1830, and falls short of excellent only due to the tiny chip in the vial's rim (glass flask) and the missing tiny bouchon or stopper. One can easily replace that, or leave it ...
$251 USD SaleSALE Antique Faux Tortoise Shell Long Handled Lorgnette, Opera Glasses - Tortoiseshell
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
Still with the slightly magnifying glasses in frame, this lovely 1850-1890 lorgnette with long extension handle of shell is one you might well put to use. The hole in the long handle would have been there for a ribbon or chain, though this style is awfully long to have hung as a pendant or chatelaine item. Still, a lovely piece to add that perfect accent to the top of a small stack of leatherbound antique books on a side table, don't you agree? Very good to excellent condition, no chips, cracks, ...
$1,186 USD SaleSALE Antique Georgian Shell Pique & Miniature Painting, Etui - Patch or Toothpick Case,
Antiques:Antique Tortoise Shell Items
The tiny engaging putti with olive branch and leopard skin suit hugs a . . . something in the painting that looks like a shield made of the shell of a tortoise? Im' not sure what that is, but he rests his crossed arms atop it and flirts with the viewer. The oak leaf tendrils woven into a crown make me wonder if this is Bacchus as a baby. Experts, if you recognize the icongraphy and can identiry our putti, please do email. Thanks. Very good condition for age and type. We do report a chip to the ...
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Shop Details
Member since Sep 2002
Susan Dean
We have offices in Utah and California. 979 Woodland Pkwy, Ste 168
San Marcos, CA92069
Email only, please: susandean-aut@cox.net
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We have offices in Utah and California. 979 Woodland Pkwy, Ste 168
San Marcos, CA
Email only, please: susandean-aut@cox.net
View Location