When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
**Item Description:**
Up for sale is an exceptionally rare, ultra-luxurious antique French wax seal stamp (desk seal) from the prestigious elite jewelry and silversmithing house of A. Risler & Carré, located at 16 Faubourg St. Honoré, Paris. This exquisite Belle Époque piece dates to circa 1897–1912. PLEASE NOTE: This item is being sold "As-Is" due to the amethyst end being broken off, as well as missing stones, and the original box being broken near the hinge, but it retains immense material, historical, and collector value due to its original case, intricate metalwork and precious stones.**Precious Materials & Two-Tone Master Metalwork:**
The lower portion of the carved amethyst seal is encased in an extraordinarily detailed, openwork foliate collar made of authentic Vermeil (solid sterling silver heavily washed in rich, buttery yellow gold). * **The Top Display:** Features a spectacular, two-tone vermeil gold and silver/platinum starburst overlay. This top section is beautifully preserved and holds its original, authentic natural seed pearls securely in their settings.
* **The Sides:** The vermeil foliate vine work along the sides holds five (5) genuine antique rose-cut diamonds that catch the light with a subtle, historic shimmer.
* **Condition Note:** 4 seed pearls and 3 diamonds are missing from the side vine settings due to age, but the main cluster on the top face remains intact.**Condition & Damage Disclosure:**
The amethyst stone wax seal has broken/sheared off midway up the stem, and the end is missing. There are a total of 4 pearls and 3 diamonds missing. The vermeil is worn in places showing the sterling silver base metal underneath. The original box is broken near the hinge and has heavy wear inside and out. The piece comes housed in its magnificent original French leather presentation box. The interior is silk on one side and velvet on the other. The lid features the crisp, golden stamped maker's mark: "A. RISLER & CARRÉ, 16 FAUBOURG ST. HONORÉ 16, PARIS." The box hinge and clasp work but the break near the hinge makes it slightly difficult to open and close. **Specifications:**
* Maker: A. Risler & Carré (Goldsmiths to the French elite, Gold Medalists at the 1900 Paris World Fair)
* Era: Circa 1900 (Belle Époque)
* Metal: Vermeil (Gold-plated Sterling Silver) with Two-Tone details
* Gems: 5 Rose-Cut Diamonds & 8 Natural Seed Pearls
* Packaging: Original fitted luxury case included**Shipping & Handling:**
This delicate, high-value historical piece will be wrapped securely in premium bubble wrap and shipped inside a rigid box to ensure it arrives safely.
