Antique French c.1800 Scent Flask, Bottle in Etui of Tortoise Shell & Sterling Silver Pique
A wonderful find, the early 1800s sterling inlaid hinged case or etui still has its perfectly fitted sterling silver scent flask inside. So often we find only the outer case. This one isn't perfect, but it's rare enough, complete as it is, it did make it into my collections. Very good condition for age and type, early to mid-1800s. There is a tiny French punch mark on the cap, right where someone has tried to use an instrument to loosen that silver cap. It's a bit stuck, probably old perfume residue. It does not twist off easily, and I've left it stuck and on display as you see it. All of the elaborate silver inlays in the deep chocolate tortoise shell is complete. It suffered a bit of an accident which shows in our images, bottom of the hinged backside. And measurements are noted on the photos. IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique tortoise shell or ivory: We are great supporters of protection for endangered species in our modern world. We never buy or sell anything 100 years or newer; we