French 1890 Etui Sealing Wax Case With Guilloche Blue Enamel In Sterling Silver And Diamonds
French etui sealing wax case.
Exquisite objet d'art, created in Paris France in the late 19th century, circa 1890. This is a etui sealing wax case, masterly crafted in the neoclassical King Louis XVI style in solid silver. Bears an exceptional engraved geometrical guilloche design and is punctuated by four rows of garlands. Embellished with applications of light leaden blue color enamel and is fitted with a discrete removable lid. Engraved with the name ANNE in the sealing part.
Etuis were once carried by important members of society to carry tiny toiletries, sealing wax, personal effects, and also concealing correspondence between lovers. Confidential notes would be tucked inside the box, which would then have been sealed with wax for security. Extremely stunning in its artistry and craftsmanship, this etui reflects the 19th-century taste for classical ornamentation.
Diamonds: Accented with 80 old European rose cut diamonds.
Weight: 54.2 Grams, (34.74 Dwt).
Measurements: 118.3 mm by 25.5 mm by 22.5 mm (4.66 x 1.01 x 0.89 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with French marks; two times with the ancient marks for the assay and warranty of the silver, the maker's maitre mark VG inside a lozange and engraved with the retailer signature name, "SAINT IVES PARIS".
Note: Curiously this item has been crafted in Paris during the same period and in the taste of the Russian court, like the contemporary pieces realized by Karl Faberge in Moscow and St Petersburg.
Note: A needlecase or needle case is a small, often decorative, holder for sewing needles. Early needle cases were usually small tubular containers of wood, or bronze with tight-fitting stoppers, often designed to hang from a belt. Needle Cases are sometimes called by the French name étui and are typically one of the tools attached to a chatelaine. A pin poppet is a similar container for pins, common in the 18th century. In the middle of the 19th century they has a double use as a seal like this to made this items more usefuls.
Note: Guilloché is used in fine jewelry to enhance the appearance of brooches, rings and pendants. Guilloché enamel refers to metal pieces that have been given the Guilloché treatment and then covered with a translucent layer of enamel, giving the geometric patterns underneath the enamel a colorful hue.
Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation pouch.
Condition: The overall condition of this piece is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the silver or the enamel. All diamonds are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P113022XINM/1.606
