Antique French 18k Gold Vernis Martin Billet Doux, 1700s Love Note Etui, Case rococo this also opportuned the happy

this also opportuned the happy result of knives made in coordinating and complimenting fashion with handles

They might be 14k

formed from those slightly thicker vines or branch portions but they've been chipped or broken off over the years

"Mars" being the month (March) and not the name of the friend or child of friends who is his subject

Antique French 18k Gold Vernis Martin Billet Doux, 1700s Love Note Etui, Case rococo this also opportuned the happyThe 1" diameter and 4"+ long tube you see is something very special. In France, it was known as a "Billet doux", or "sweet note", quite literally. And it would have contained those sweet notes passed between lovers, friends, from the 1700s through about 1820. One would write a love letter, or message to set a meeting, roll it and put inside the container you see. Then a trusted servant or courier would be dispatched to deliver the correspondence and