Antique French Napoleon III Tortoise Shell Cigar Case, Spectacles Case or Evening Purse, c.1850s

This is a very fine old etui, cigar case in the traditional 1800s style we find in France and England (origins). Great for cigar case, which is the original use intended (no odors), and also wonderful used for spectacles or as an evening purse, which most of us buy these for in our time. The case has superb and beautifully colored/mottled old coloration, of course, as we are used to in these finest old items, and the interior is beautifully lined in claret or burgundy wine colored silk, trimmed out in leather - very good condition throughout on this one. The silver stringing and brass cartouche on the outside are icing on the cake! Very good condition, it's mid-1800s and has no chips or cracks to disclose. One small bug bite-like loss along bottom of the top panel if it's in upright position. You can see it on our photos, and it's small. Stringing and inlaid cartouche are all in place, and there is no monogram yet so you can add your own. The leather baffles show a little wear