RARE Large Antique French Table Snuff or Jewelry Box, Casket, 18k Gold Stringing and 5.5" Long

Offering a very unique early 1800s table snuff of extra large size. A full 5.5" wide, it's made like smaller and later ones but with such superb refinement. The exterior has been veneered with a very unique layer of wood - look at the grain. I've tried to figure it out and initially thought it was just the tortoise shell worked in a grained pattern. But upon closer review, I'm quite sure it's some sort of very hard wood. The interior is thickly worked natural shell, as you can see. And the stringing tested 18k gold. This has been a very fine work of craftsman's artistry. The hinge is entire carved and pinned, working smoothly and no warp. The box closes well, has just a couple of small imperfections of age which I have marked in the images for your review. It is one from my own collections, which I'm beginning to disburse now. Full measurements noted on the box. IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique tortoise shell or ivory: We are great supporters of protection for endangered species in our