{"product_id":"19th-century-tortoiseshell-coin-purse-with-shield-cartouche","title":"19th-Century Tortoiseshell Coin Purse with Shield Cartouche","description":"\u003cp\u003eA beautiful example of 19th-century personal accessories, this tortoiseshell coin purse features a softly rounded rectangular form, a small metal clasp, and a shield-shaped cartouche. Its polished surface reveals rich shades of brown and amber, giving this petite piece a warm, luminous character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout the 19th century, tortoiseshell was prized for its distinctive natural patterning and its ability to be shaped and polished. Artisans used it for finely finished accessories, including coin purses, calling card cases, combs, and decorative boxes. These small possessions combined everyday practicality with an appreciation for beautiful materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rigid exterior of this purse protected its contents, while its compact proportions made it convenient to carry. The shield-shaped cartouche adds a restrained ornamental detail, allowing the richly patterned shell to remain the focus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its interior intact, this example preserves the intimate character of an accessory once used in daily life. Its maker and exact country of manufacture remain unidentified.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLovely displayed on a dressing table, nestled among antique boxes, or added to a collection of historical accessories, this little purse offers a tangible connection to the thoughtful craftsmanship of the 19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEra\u003c\/strong\u003e: 19th century\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e: Exact country of manufacture unverified\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials\u003c\/strong\u003e: Tortoiseshell with metal clasp and shield-shaped cartouche; interior material unspecified\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesign\u003c\/strong\u003e: Rounded rectangular coin purse with polished shell exterior\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePurpose\u003c\/strong\u003e: Carrying coins and small personal necessities\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e: Good antique condition for its age, with the interior intact and surface wear consistent with past use. Inside: Great condition for its age. These pieces have been previously loved, and we always note visible flaws identified during inspection. As an antique, this piece will show signs of age and past use that contribute to its individual character.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurements\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e3\" L x 1.75\" H x 1\" deep when closed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"soul fed home","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67883450761537,"sku":null,"price":285.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0773\/9549\/3185\/files\/34925146-DDCF-4833-9B69-E9E247CB9856.png?v=1792031258","url":"https:\/\/soulfedhome.com\/products\/19th-century-tortoiseshell-coin-purse-with-shield-cartouche","provider":"Soul Fed Home","version":"1.0","type":"link"}