French Tortoiseshell Coin Purse with Silver Mount and “Breveté SGDG” Mechanism
French Tortoiseshell Coin Purse with Silver Mount and “Breveté SGDG” Mechanism
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Additional Description: A refined and highly collectible French tortoiseshell coin purse, showcasing the rich, organic mottling characteristic of natural hawksbill shell. The exterior presents a beautifully polished surface with warm caramel and deep espresso tones, creating a striking contrast and depth that only genuine tortoiseshell achieves.
The purse is fitted with a silver-toned metal frame and clasp, featuring a delicate Art Nouveau–influenced design with subtle flared detailing. The interior opens to reveal a concertina-style silk lining in deep navy, allowing for organized storage while maintaining a compact, elegant form.
Notably, the interior frame is stamped “Breveté S.G.D.G.” (Sans Garantie du Gouvernement), a French patent marking used between the mid-19th century and 1968. This indicates the mechanism was patented in France, a hallmark often found on quality French accessories and mechanical fittings of the late 19th to early 20th century.
The combination of authentic tortoiseshell, patented French mechanism, and refined construction makes this a quintessential example of a Belle Époque personal accessory, both functional and highly decorative.
Era: Late 19th to early 20th century (circa 1880–1910)
History: During the Belle Époque, tortoiseshell was a prized luxury material used in personal accessories such as purses, lorgnettes, and combs. French makers frequently incorporated patented mechanisms—marked “Breveté SGDG”—to denote innovation and craftsmanship. These small purses were often carried for coins or calling essentials and were considered both practical and fashionable.
Provenance: France
Materials: Tortoiseshell (likely hawksbill), silver-toned metal frame, silk lining
Dimensions: TBD
Disclaimers: Wear consistent with age and use, including surface wear and minor scuffs to tortoiseshell, oxidation and wear to metal frame, interior silk showing wear and slight discoloration; mechanism functional
Additional Description: A refined and highly collectible French tortoiseshell coin purse, showcasing the rich, organic mottling characteristic of natural hawksbill shell. The exterior presents a beautifully polished surface with warm caramel and deep espresso tones, creating a striking contrast and depth that only genuine tortoiseshell achieves.
The purse is fitted with a silver-toned metal frame and clasp, featuring a delicate Art Nouveau–influenced design with subtle flared detailing. The interior opens to reveal a concertina-style silk lining in deep navy, allowing for organized storage while maintaining a compact, elegant form.
Notably, the interior frame is stamped “Breveté S.G.D.G.” (Sans Garantie du Gouvernement), a French patent marking used between the mid-19th century and 1968. This indicates the mechanism was patented in France, a hallmark often found on quality French accessories and mechanical fittings of the late 19th to early 20th century.
The combination of authentic tortoiseshell, patented French mechanism, and refined construction makes this a quintessential example of a Belle Époque personal accessory, both functional and highly decorative.
Era: Late 19th to early 20th century (circa 1880–1910)
History: During the Belle Époque, tortoiseshell was a prized luxury material used in personal accessories such as purses, lorgnettes, and combs. French makers frequently incorporated patented mechanisms—marked “Breveté SGDG”—to denote innovation and craftsmanship. These small purses were often carried for coins or calling essentials and were considered both practical and fashionable.
Provenance: France
Materials: Tortoiseshell (likely hawksbill), silver-toned metal frame, silk lining
Dimensions: TBD
Disclaimers: Wear consistent with age and use, including surface wear and minor scuffs to tortoiseshell, oxidation and wear to metal frame, interior silk showing wear and slight discoloration; mechanism functional