Antique French Dieppe Carved Ivory Coin Purse, Sterling Silver Pique Stars, Circles c. 1850-90
Hand carved ivory with an entire constellation of sterling silver stars in pique work, this 19th century French serpentine carved ivory coin purse, dating c.1850-1900 is made in PARIS, likely a Dieppe carved panel on front with incredibly fine gadrooned border. Surface-mounted front and back in slightly convex plaques of ivory, then mounted with a silver cartouche which has never been monogrammed. It's like new, considering age, and the heavy moire silk interior is in moderate condition, divides into 3 open sections and one more which has silver mounting to lock it off from the others. These little coin purses were traditional gifts in France on the event of a child's confirmation. Often they came in boxed sets along with an aide d'memoire and/or a prayer book, all made to match. We have a few sets if you look on site, sold separately and still in their presentation box. The tradition being that the child would put their money inside and put it in the offerings box at their church or