RARE Antique Victorian English Tortoise Shell Scissors Case, Etui, EC w 2 Paris Scissors
First of all, this is exceptionally rare in tortoise shell. The cases like these were made more typically in leather, but I have never seen another in fine mid-1800s chocolate and cognac mottled tortoise shell. Both interior silk lining and the outer hard shell case, itself, remain in excellent undamaged condition. There are 2 pairs of scissors within, and a space for a 3rd, but the 2 are not original to the case. I would imagine a 3-scissor set of very ornate and/or sterling silver or perhaps gold handled scissors would have been more to the stature of this special case. I've owned it for decades. I always intended to do some special searches for scissors to fit, but just never took the time. Perhaps you will. A sewing collector's dream! Full measurements noted on the photos. Very good to excellent condition throughout, as noted above. There are no chips nor cracks, no losses to any of the tortoise shell, no warp and no bug bites. Hinge and clasp are each working perfectly. The interi