Superb Antique French Etui, Set of 2: Tortoise Shell Pique Aide d’ Memoire and Coin Purse

My personal favorites are coming to the shop now, my own collections. This is probably my very favorite boxed set of fine antique French tortoise shell pieces, an intricately inlaid pair, aide d’ memoire or notebook, and coin purse. The work is exquisite on each piece, and the condition shows it was as well appreciated when received and since, as it is today. Hardly seems to have been put to any use, though someone has written a little in pencil on one page of the intact notebook. The old silk liners and silk satin and velvet interior of the presentation box are all in very nice form for age. Measurements noted on photos. 

Very good to excellent condition, beautifully crafted with the most elaborate and opulent silver inlays ever. Just look at that artistry! No lifts nor losses, and no bites nor chips, cracks. Really a superb set, Napoleon III era (c.1850-70), when these were given as a traditional memento, gift, usually for a 1st Communion celebration. 

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.