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18th-Century French Gold Étui
18th-Century French Gold Étui
18th-Century French Gold Étui
18th-Century French Gold Étui

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18th-Century French Gold Étui

  • The beauty of green and yellow gold is on full display in this French étui
  • This 18th-century creation displays the aesthetics of the Louis XVI era
  • Such early étuis of this superior quality and condition are true treasures
  • Get complete item description here
$16,850
Item No. 30-7599

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Description
A marvelous objet d'art is this exquisite Louis XVI-era étui. Crafted entirely of green and yellow gold, this stunning octagonal vessel bears an exceptional, engraved Neoclassical design punctuated by florals and garlands. Étuis were once carried by affluent members of society to carry tiny toiletries, sealing wax, personal effects, and the more clandestine purpose of concealing correspondence between lovers or other cohorts. Confidential notes would be tucked inside the box, which would then have been sealed. . .
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A marvelous objet d'art is this exquisite Louis XVI-era étui. Crafted entirely of green and yellow gold, this stunning octagonal vessel bears an exceptional, engraved Neoclassical design punctuated by florals and garlands. Étuis were once carried by affluent members of society to carry tiny toiletries, sealing wax, personal effects, and the more clandestine purpose of concealing correspondence between lovers or other cohorts. Confidential notes would be tucked inside the box, which would then have been sealed with wax for optimal security. Stunning in its artistry and craftsmanship, this étui flawlessly reflects the 18th-century taste for classical ornamentation. 

This étui bears the maker's mark of master goldsmith Jean François Mancel, 1781. Charge marked by Henri Clavel and the inspection mark, both for 1783-1789.

5 1/8” length x 3/4" wide x 5/8" deep
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18th-Century French Gold Étui
Period: 18th Century
Origin: France
Type: Compacts/Nécessaires
Style: Louis XVI
Depth: 0.69 in. (1.75 cm)
Length: 5.19 in. 
Width: 0.75 in. (1.91 cm)
Height: 5.19 in. (13.18 cm)

Buy With Confidence

For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.

On Approval

On Approval

Examine select works in person before you commit

125% Guarantee

125% Guarantee

Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years

Trusted Expertise

Trusted Expertise

Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists

Learn More

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