Antique French Cigar Case, Etui in Tortoise Shell, Spectacles Case - Tortoiseshell
I used to buy these whenever I see one that is in very good condition, and love the way they look all on display within a large oval centrepiece glass bowl that allows the shell to show in all its glory. This one is such a beauty, even though it's got a bug bite spot on rim of the backside (see our photos for the detail and your own evaluation). The pique work and cartouche are in 18k gold, and it's not only complete, but just beautiful in person. Mottled chocolate to cognac coloration, all the rich natural beauty inherent in the old shell. The interior is nicely preserved, a royal purple moire silk with white piped edging. The two halves are each baffled in leather so they can expand to accommodate the 6 or so cigars originally anticipated as its load. Most of us now use these for our reading glasses, perhaps also tucking in a credit card and some cash and a house key for those evenings out. These are lovely as evening purses, ladies. Don't think of it only as a cigar case. Very g