Description

Antique Tortoiseshell Stationery Box with fine engraved silver pique by William Comyns

This wonderful tortoiseshell stationery box has a sloped front and is made from a thick piece of tortoiseshell making it semi-opaque, this can be seen when the lid is lifted and the light shines through. The exterior is embellished with exquisite, engraved silver pique inlay and applied silver swags, which is typical of the very talented and highly skilled William Comyns workshop. The rest of the box sides have Moroccan red leather.

The interior is lined with red water silk and features several compartments of varying sizes, including a pen tray.

This Tortoiseshell & Silver Stationery Box comes with a fully working lock and a tasselled key.

The term “Tortoiseshell” describes a type of decorative material made from the shells of certain species of sea turtles. The shells of these turtles are composed of a hard, glossy substance called keratin, which can be cut and shaped into a variety of decorative items. Tortoiseshell has been used for centuries to make a range of decorative objects, including combs, brush handles, and other small items. It is also sometimes used to make tea caddies, as it is strong, durable, and can be polished to a high shine. The term “tortoiseshell” is used to describe these decorative items, even though they are made from the shells of sea turtles because the term has been used historically to refer to this material.

With every purchase from Mark Goodger Antiques, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen piece and an independent invoice (for insurance purposes) will be enclosed. As well as being protected by a no-hassle, money-back policy, your piece will be entirely insured during the shipping process to ensure the safety of your item.

If you are purchasing Tortoiseshell or Ivory pieces and are outside the UK you must have a CITES certificate in order to import the item into your country. We can obtain these on your behalf at a cost of £50 and these can take up to 30 working days to arrive at our office. Due to the strict exporting rules of these pieces, they may also come with further shipping costs. Please ensure you contact us prior to purchase for a quote.

Additional information