Antique French Sterling Silver 18thC Vernis Martin "Billet Doux Etui" Case - Silver - France - mid 18th century
An antique French silver 'billet doux', which is a formed case into which love notes and invitations of a romantic nature were traditionally passed in the 18th century, this case is probably truly one of the most romantic items the French ever came up with, and you know the French reputation and fixation on romance. Made in the 'Vernis Martin' layered paint and varnishes of the Brother's Martin, and popular in the time of Marie-Antoinette, this little case is a real show-stopper! While these would have been more colorful in their time, the darkening of the old varnishes used in layers with paint tended to darken over time so these usually have a deepened warm tone overcasting the images painted on them. +/- 15 cm long and silver test.
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An antique French silver 'billet doux', which is a formed case into which love notes and invitations of a romantic nature were traditionally passed in the 18th century, this case is probably truly one of the most romantic items the French ever came up with, and you know the French reputation and fixation on romance. Made in the 'Vernis Martin' layered paint and varnishes of the Brother's Martin, and popular in the time of Marie-Antoinette, this little case is a real show-stopper! While these would have been more colorful in their time, the darkening of the old varnishes used in layers with paint tended to darken over time so these usually have a deepened warm tone overcasting the images painted on them. +/- 15 cm long and silver test.
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