Antique Tortoise Shell and Mother of Pearl French Marquetry Cigar Case - Tortoiseshell
One from my own collection, decades of enjoyment of it being mine. A while back we had a tea caddy done in this mother of pearl inlay against rich chocolate and cognac mottled tortoise shell, and it sold so fast - I still miss it. We have several card cases and one magnificent large sewing compendium, box, also - sold separately. I was thrilled to find that same French style of early tortie and mop marquetry work this time in a cigar case. Some claim these are actually also tea caddies, and once in a while they're foil lined which can be a bit confusing, but this size/style (even foil lined) are typically cigar cases. Not a vest pocket style, to be sure, but a bureau or tabletop case for office or den, table. Some would pretend it's a purse, or a spectacles case - just to add it to their collections (smile). The work is beautifully done. The case is elegantly well preserved. Full measurements noted on the photos. c. 1840-70s, Napoleon III (early to mid-Victorian). Very good to exc