RARE Antique French c. 1698 Silver Mark Tortoise Shell Folding Mariner or Drafting Ruler, Sterling Silver Pique Goldsmith small but powerful

small but powerful

I've shown detail images of those most notable spots and large photos of the chest from all views for your evaluation

it appears there was once black enamel in the outer recesses of the ornate outer scrolling in repoussè - do you see remnants of kiln-fired enamels in some

beautiful surface and work

RARE Antique French c. 1698 Silver Mark Tortoise Shell Folding Mariner or Drafting Ruler, Sterling Silver Pique Goldsmith small but powerfulLikely originally a tool housed in a fine and expansive 'necessaire', perhaps a purchase by a dignitary in Paris for the Grand celebration and fireworks celebrating The Treaty of Ryswick which was signed on September 20, 1697 ending the War of the League of Augsburg which pitted France against England, Spain and the Holy Roman Empire. The fireworks celebration depicted here took place in January of 1698. But I digress. It's amazing to me that a