Superb 19th Century Cigar Case, Box, Opulent Antique Tortoise Shell Etui Foil Lined
One I've had for decades and a personal favorite, this would have been an early to mid-1800s cigar case or box. It has a foiled lining, affirmation that it was meant to keep the tobacco products a little moist but not damage the old wood body of the case. It's larger than you think, and could hold 8 cheroot easily, which is likely its early purpose. I show it here with 4 Churchill by Davidoff cigars and they're loose in the box. Nicely hiniged and the clasp works, and just look at the beauty of the antique tortoise shell - mottled cognac to chocolate, each panel perfectly in place and without loss or damage. It has an engraved small silver cartouche, "R. A. Izon". Full measurements noted on the photos. Very good to excellent condition for age and type. I find no bug bites, chips, cracks nor losses to all that beautiful tortoise shell, which is quite rare. I can point out 2 minor flaws, however: some of the thin silver stringing is lost to time, and also it seems the clasp part of the