Antique French 5" x 4.5" Etui, Case for Portrait Miniature, Tortoise Shell and Silk Velvet,
First, let me make clear that this is the case only. The portrait miniature shown is not included in this offering. I've had this in my collections for decades, displaying this or that fine portrait miniature. I bought it without a miniature inside, so I'm guessing by the oval form, that's what originally went inside. Were it round, I'd say a commemorative medal, or a pocket watch. I have some of those yet to list, but this is larger and the oval fits a variation of the old portrait miniatures, early to mid-1800s in age. It's slightly arched so that the thickest depth is center of the box, and that is right about 1" at deepest point. Very good to excellent condition for age and type. A stunningly beautiful cognac to chocolate colored tortoise shell used, and only one very small spot missing along the back rim. The bottom is the old original embossed paper lined, a bevel to sides. Hinges and clasp are working well. No warp, no bug bites nor cracks. Just a small bit of the veneer lost a