Antique 18th Century French Vest Pocket Necessaire, Etui with Vanity & Writing Tools, Shell & Silver
You know, I've always been so fascinated by the travel vanity items, sets, trousse de voyage and necessaire created by the French primarily, and these small vest pocket etui I've accumulated over decades still thrill me. I'm downsizing my own collections, however, and so here is one more: Case is just over 2.5" tall, yet holds writing tools and knife and vanity items, missing only a small round stylus or lead, and if I can locate my tiny pencils, I'll put one in to complete the interior. Silver mount with tortoise shell veneer, it's just a beautiful little luxury. I always wonder about the original owners, the travels, its story. Full measurements noted on the photos. Very good condition for age and type, it's rare to find these complete with the original interior fittings, tools. This one has all of them but a pencil or stylus. A 2-leaf ivory writing pad, folding knife, bodkin (large needle with string/ribbon threading tool - clothing was often pulled together with strings, remember,