Antique French Pique 19th c. Tortoise Shell Box, Sterling Silver and Gold Boulle Round Casket
Beautiful work on this one, and excellent condition, as well. This is a Napoleon III era (mid-Victorian - c.1850-70) patch box, small powder box, or perhaps the holder of a rosary in its original state. Beautifully lathe-turned chocolate to cognac tortoise shell creates the hinged box with push-button clasp, and recessed pique or inlays of sterling silver and gold, brass decorate it's top. Flowers and a bird, images of Springtime, or perhaps the rebirth, resurrection story. Petit at just 2 1/4", one might think of a snuff box, but it is not. Excellent condition for age and type. Rarely do we find one with no damage at all to report. IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique tortoise shell or ivory: We are great supporters of protection for endangered species in our modern world. We never buy or sell anything 100 years or newer; we donate to anti-poaching organizations; we don't hunt; we conserve in ways that impact global warming (we're totally solar at home), knowing those measures also protec