λ A GOLD-INLAID (PIQUÉ) TORTOISESHELL CIGAR CASE FITTED WITH A POCKET WATCH MADE FOR THE OTTOMAN EXPORT MARKET
England or France, mid to late 19th century

Of rounded rectangular shape, the two separate tortoiseshell sections united with copper hinges and a lock on the sides, a small pocket watch with key set mechanism, 3/4 bridge plate, gilt finish, metal bushings, and cylinder escapement, with white enamel dial, black enamel Roman numeral, and black outer minute division and blued spade & whip hands set in the centre of the lid, the top decorated with low-grade gold piqué inlay work featuring vegetal festoons with rosettes and grapes around the watch, beading grids and further fretwork bands around the edges, the back with a gold-inlaid escutcheon plate engraved in Old English Font reading 'Mahmud', the interior plain, 7.5cm x 14cm.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, snuffboxes and cigarette cases made of 'exotic' materials, such as tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl, were considered highly desirable in both the West and Ottoman territories. The Ottoman Empire played for several centuries the crucial role of both provider of such foreign goods and main purchaser, once the goods had been modified and embellished by Western artists according to the latest fashion.

This item may require Export or CITES licences in order to leave the UK or the European Union. It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that lots have the relevant licences before shipping.

Dimensions: 7.5cm x 14cm