Antique French Pique Worked Tortoise Shell Cigar or Spectacles Case - Tortoiseshell Etui
No, it is not possible to have too many of these fabulous antique cigar cases in finest old c. 1840-70 shell, inlaid with various colors of metal and mother of pearl, abalone. But if you can have only one, this one might well be your firstchoice. A beautiful 'Japonaise' decorated work with exotic birds, etc., puts this one squarely in the Napoleon III era in style, and within the genre made fashionable by France's 0 Empress Eugenie, wife of the Emperor (reign c. roughly 1840-1870). A fine case, very well preserved, it's beautiful enough to use as your evening purse/clutch, don't you agree? I've used these, tucking in my glasses (yes, aging baby-boomer that I am, I need reading glasses now); a credit card and a few $100s for an evening out with friends. All who see these love the look and they're a great way to start a conversation, believe me. "What IS that beautiful thing?" is normally how they begin. You'll want your own. This one is particularly lovely! Very good conditio