Antique c.1700s French Tortoise Shell and Sterling Silver Pique Etui or Match Safe, Perfume?
A superb tiny treasure, c.1770-1810, Georgian or Louis XVI to French Empire era, it is likely it originally held a small flask with smelling salts or perfume, and was used like a vinaigrette, opened and held to the nose as one traveled among crowds of likely unwashed persons, a defense against the odors of lower hygiene. This one has survived in such fine form, and is complete with all of the inlays of French sterling silver pique work, still nicely hinged and with clasp working, a little gem of a case or box. Would that we could find the proper tiny perfume vial, but it is lost to time. A perfect one, however, to use as a match safe - a fabulous gift for a smoker of cigars, for instance - the luxury of it. It is just 2" in length, perfectly preserved. Deep chocolate tortoise shell with only a spot of two of cognac. Very good to excellent for age and type. Still has the original interior liners, visible in the open image. No warp, no damage to report. Full measurements noted on the pho