A precious red Leather Reticule with tortoiseshell inlay – England Dated 1836

Rare inlaid tortoiseshell red “Maroquin” Reticule dating from the period of King William IV, before Queen Victoria’s accession to the English throne in 1837. Inside is a moving and difficult-to-read ball book dated 1836. It is a miraculously preserved reticule with three gussets in scarlet red morocco, finely engraved with neo-Gothic friezes in the shape of scallops. In the centre on both sides a blond tortoiseshell plate finely inlaid with pewter fillets in the corners (slight oxidation). Miraculously preserved double straps, as well as a fastening loop on both sides (which works) in chased silver metal in the shape of a fiddle, suggesting a pineapple. The detachable inside pockets preciously concealed the dance card, the forerunner of the mobile phone! Note the natural patina of time, but only to a very limited extent, as the edges and corners have not been removed. No defects to report. Exceptional condition.

Dimensions: Width 17 cm, height 15 cm, height of straps 18 cm.