Antique 18th Century French Billet Doux, Vermeil Rings on Vernis Martin Love Notes Etui
18th century Billet Doux (love notes case/courier's etui). Unique paintings, all images of death - riderless horse, children figures carrying a body or sick person, and another lying down, supported, and looking toward heaven. Very beautiful! A dog symbolizing fidelity, detailed landscapes including a house, dog, horse, and 8 people in all. VERY fine artistry. Vernis Martin decorated wood body, shell inner lip, partially polished gilt brass (I think) rings intact as well as unusual rounded end caps, complete. Condition: Very good to excellent for age and type, there are no restorations on the painted surface, 1 noticeable loss on backside which shows red layer under the Vernis Martin painting - interesting. Measurements: 1" diameter, 5 3/4" long. I just love these old things. The history is as fun as the object. These are rare! What some think might be a cigar case is, instead, a 1700s "billet doux", or directly translated, "sweet note". The case is that into which love notes, invita