Exquisite Antique French Courier Etui Exceptional Gilt & Silver Inlay Tortoiseshell

Antiques : Accessories : Decorative Arts

 

Rare and superb, this etui presents all the romantic elements one would associate with letters of the heart being delivered by courier! The tortoise shell body is elaborately decorated with inlaid gilt metal and silver, a charming floral design. Either end boasts a large blossom encircled with ever so delicate foliate tendrils and smaller bell flowers. The outer body of shell has been worked in a very interesting way; it appears striped. The inside shell cuff is in perfect condition. The outer shell shows some wear and there is some loss to the....must be hundreds!.of little metal insets. This piece is definitely from the 19th Century, so I suppose some signs of wear tell us that this etui was used! How many declarations of love and romance has it carried over the years? A charming addition to your collection.

Please see photos for dimensions.

Item ID: 711