Fine Antique French 18k Gold, Sterling Silver Pen, Letter Opener Set, Art Nouveau Figural on Ivory

Pristine – still in the c.1900 gift box fitted for them, this is the most elegant writer’s desk set ever. My favorite of all the ones we’ve had, which is why I’ve kept it for decades. Art Nouveau, the bas relief appliqué in sterling silver and thick 18k gold, needs to have an attribution to a goldsmith or artist, but the set is without either. Stunning casting work, and so very Art Nouveau. The handle of the pen and the entire length of the page knife or envelop opener are finest antique ivory, as you can see. A sterling silver collar on the pen has guilloche work and is fitted with a fine tip dip pen. Box and set are each in very fine order – the pieces more like jewelry, don’t you agree?  Measurements noted on the photos.

Very good to excellent condition, age and type considered. There is no loss nor damage at all to the set, and all I can point out would be a small spot of something residue on the guilloche silver of the pen, which I think might be from an old tag. It seems like it ought to come right off, but I’ll have to work at it with more than just a little soap. I just wanted to mention it. The box and interior are original to the set, fittings for each, and remains in fine condition. The spine of the box seems to have an over-lap leather, but it’s the same as the box’s covering so I’m unsure if it is the original.  Stunning set! 

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 protect the animals in the wild today. We also recognize the vast cultural history we preserve with our care and reverence for these antique objects, and agree with CITES that objects over 100 years of age have nothing whatsoever to do with species depletion in our current world. 

Our offering exceeds the age limitation of “more than 100 years of age”, and is well within the exemption for CITES regulation. If imported, met the CITES regulation. This item will be handled and shipped from our Utah business, and is not available for shipment internationally, nor within the USA to California, NY, Nevada, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington if it contains ivory, sorry. Please see our small print for more details.