A French lady's coin purse from the Napoleon III era, c 1860-1880, hand beaded with exquisite motifs, and coming with a rare feature:

a spectacular gilt fastener opening up like an umbrella, very ornate on top, and still functional today.
which definitely brings extra character to this precious piece.

These coin purses were made for large, heavy coins, silver or gold, also called "Napoleons".

The beading is divided in 2 parts:
-a floral top in a harmony of pink and carmine against beige,
-and a decorative bottom, made of vivid teal blue patterns, totally awesome!

What is remarkable in the piece is the quality of the metal part:
the intricacy of its articulations, plus its delightful cap, A chain completing the whole,

but also the vibrancy of the gilt, no doubt done with real gold leaf, and which has not tarnished after 150 years! retaining its 19th Century warm color, less yellow than today, the kind that we all love.

CONDITION:
In very good condition for its age.

Silk lining lost to History like always..
A few missing dangles at the bottom,
A couple beads missing here and there, though this is not noticeable.
Less dense areas in the beading under the fastener, no loss, just due to weight.
Fastener opens and closes well.

MEASUREMENTS:
Length: 8".(without the dangles)
(20 cm)
Largest Width: 5".
(12.5 cm)
Cap Diameter: 2".
(5 cm)
Chain: 17"
(43 cm)

SHIPPING:
Will be shipped "EXPEDITED" from Paris (5-7 days) including online tracking, insurance and signature at delivery.

* * * * * * * * * * MORE FRENCH ANTIQUES IN MY ANTIQUES CATEGORY* * * * * * * *