Tortoiseshell coin purse inlaid with silver and gold

Description

Tortoiseshell coin purse inlaid with silver and gold. Item 4781.This ladies tortoiseshell coin purse has the front cover inlaid with silver and gold. The central panel for the owner’s initials is supported by an ornate and intricate surround made of silver and gold. The outer edge is decorated with two gold bands, the outermost of which carries a continuous line of acutely pointed triangles. This one is of good quality and well designed. Normally the tortoiseshell is attached to the frame, but in this case the tortoiseshell outer is attached by a strong and flexible gusset which allows a degree of expansion so as not to crack the shell if the purse is overloaded. Internally it is lined with a crimson silk with four compartments, one of which closes with a simple mechanical lock. Unfortunately several of the pleats in the silk that form the compartments have split, otherwise it is in very good condition. It measures 65 mm (2.75 inches) high, 55 mm (2.25 inches) wide and 20 mm (.75 of an inch) thick. Made in France it would date from around 1880.