Gold étui With Original Lizard Leather Case France, Paris, Circa 1770

Refined cylindrical étui in two sections, entirely crafted in chased and engraved gold, preserved in its original green lizard leather case, with a perfectly fitted hinged side opening.
The body of the étui is decorated with vertical fluted panels alternating with stylised acanthus leaf motifs, typical of the neoclassical ornamental vocabulary of the second half of the 18th century. The connecting bands are engraved with lanceolate leaf and interlaced patterns, while the domed lid features an elegant leaf frieze and, at the centre, a chased flower in relief on a textured ground.
The upper and lower edges are finely finished, reflecting the goldsmith’s exceptional craftsmanship. On the body is a French 18th-century gold hallmark, identifiable as a poinçon de charge used in Paris between 1768 and 1774, under the jurisdiction of Julien Alaterre as contrôleur général. This mark, applied to certify the payment of the gold tax, confirms the Parisian origin and the dating to around 1770.
The original lizard leather case, extremely rare to find intact, retains its silk and velvet lining and remains in fully functional condition. The presence of this period case greatly enhances the historical value and rarity of the piece.
Intended to hold small personal or writing instruments, étuis of this calibre were true status symbols for the French elite of the Ancien Régime, embodying luxury, refinement, and impeccable taste.