Exceptional 18th Century French Nécessaire du Bal, Dance Card, Writer's Note Pad for Travel, Shagreen & Silver Pierre-Dominique Maire (c. 1763-1827) The lid does close smoothly

The lid does close smoothly and fully

which has a tiny spot of missing paint

18" from the ceiling (though extra wire & chain could be added if you wish to have it drop more)

It bears the French Minerve or Minerva hallmark

chocolates

Exceptional 18th Century French Nécessaire du Bal, Dance Card, Writer's Note Pad for Travel, Shagreen & Silver Pierre-Dominique Maire (c. 1763-1827) The lid does close smoothlyRARE! super fine scale shared veneer over . 800 1000 French silver (almost sterling) with an 18k gold wash around the neck (which I did not clean enough before it went to photographer might do these over again). The slender 'palm of the hand' or vest pocket case is heavy, has long kept the 4 leaf writing pad perfect within, along with the original tiny pencil. Rarely found complete, it is also in amazing condition for its age again, c. 1700s. Shagreen