A SMALL COLLECTION OF ANTIQUE SILVER
AND OBJECTS OF VERTU
THE WHAT IS? SILVER DICTIONARY



ETUI

Etui (a French word) is a small case made in different materials such as wood, leather, ivory, silver, gold, tortoise shell, mother of pearl or shagreen.

They are variously shaped and decorated and mounted with gilt hinges and collars.

etui, circa 1790



The cases are fitted with miniature implements for:
- a woman's daily use (scissors, bodkins, tweezers, thimble, pencil, ivory writing tablet, etc.)
- doctor's medical instruments (as bleeding knives)
- travelers sets (small folding knife, fork and spoon), known also as 'gentlemen etui'
- perfume bottles (often with their funnel).



silver etui silver etui silver etui
silver etui silver etui silver etui


etui with sewing implements etui with sewing implements etui with sewing implements
shagreen etui with perfume bottles and funnel shagreen etui with perfume bottles and funnel shagreen etui with perfume bottles and funnel



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