Rare c. 1750-1809 Antique French Billet Doux in Fine Venis Martin & 18k Gold, Marie-Antoinette & Louis XVI Era souvenir suitable for Sautern or brandy

suitable for Sautern or brandy

All pieces bear the post 1878 French Minerve or Minerva hallmark

Beautifully made in the Napoleon III style with ebony or ebonized walnut veneers

but is also an award winning artist collected well and in numerous museum collections

Rare c. 1750-1809 Antique French Billet Doux in Fine Venis Martin & 18k Gold, Marie-Antoinette & Louis XVI Era souvenir suitable for Sautern or brandyA fabulous find! The trim on this elegant 18th century French billet dour is tested and hallmarked with the tiny French punch prior to 1809, and is solid 18k gold, yellow in color. The body of the case is fine old Vernis Martin and is inset with some tiny diamonds of mother of pearl. The interior liner is shell, dating c. 1750 1809, very well preserved for age and type, indeed. Some would misidentify this as a cigar case, and I suppose one could use