Tortoise Shell - Valuable?

I have a small Tortoise Shell box/tea caddy. 4 - 4 1/2". It's seen better days, but in nice condition. Very old. Thinking 19th century.

Anyway, i was just wondering on value, and if there's a demand for Tortoise shell?

 

Much of it is illegal to sell. Even the antique stuff.

 

Really? I wasn't aware of that. Thank you.

 

Really need a picture to comment,but Georgian tortoiseshell veneer tea caddies can go over $1000 quite easily.

But don't get too excited, it may just be a 20th C box with mock tortoise/coloured cellulloid

 

It's far from illegal here, just restrictions on export import.

 

Tru dat.

 

Here's a pic

 

That looks good to me, the best clue is the remnants of the lead foil lining I can see inside the lid, the shape looks right and some other pictures would help but I'm pretty sure you have a good thing.

On the downside, it's not blonde tortoiseshell (fetches the highest price) and it looks quite small. But it looks well shaped and a bit decorated with the ivory intact.

Really nice item.

 

Thank you very much. I was pretty sure it's genuine. It's seen better days, but still a very attractive piece. Thank you so much for your reply.

It stands 4". And is 4 1/2" in width.

 

Any idea on year? Value etc...

Thank you.

 

That could be older than dirt. The size of a tea caddy is often a clue to age (listen to me acting like I know this stuff). From what I picked up hither and yon, your caddy could be well over 200 years old very easily. Tortoise pieces, from what I'm told, can't be sold over state lines. There might be a licensing thing for auction houses though for antique stuff. Given how many regulations there are around selling tortoise pieces I don't have a clue what it's worth.

 

Few more pics

Thank so much for the info. Any help is great.

 

It does appear to be late 18th C or Regency, I could not hazard a guess to value in the US market. Here I'd put an auction estimate of £300-£500.

 

Had the caddy valued today at my local auction house. One of the experts fell in love with the box, he couldn't put the piece down. He valued it at £600/800. And told me to put a reserve of £700 on the box. He loved it. And said the item could easily make £1000. Very sort after, collectable etc....

Thank you Afa for all your help.

 

They just call me af.

That was a come and buy me estimate I put on it.

You are lucky you live somewhere where the ivory trim will not be a problem.

 

Af it is then

You've been most helpful. Thank you.

Well, tbf, the auctioneer was very bias. He fell in love with the piece. He was almost begging me to sell the box through them. And i will be, i know he'll go out of his way to get the best price possible for it. I just hope his love for Caddy hasn't clouded his judgement on value. But he was pretty adamant the Caddy will easily make the reserve price of £700. He has connections where things like this are concerned, and knows how sort after pieces like this are. He also stated he would be "shocked" if it didn't make £1000 "at least" at auction.

Yes, he said there was no problem with any restrictions here in the UK. What with age etc....

 

Thank you.

It's a shame on the restrictions in the US. I mean, this piece is 200 years old. I don't see the problem? I'm all for banning ivory now, pre 1940's. But, for items this old, really?!

I guess we're lucky here in the UK as far as that is concerned.

 

Hi,
It isn't all about ivory. I have a tray that was made from an elephant's foot pad. My great uncle received it as a present from a friend of his who went to India. When I was much younger I thought it was beautiful. Later on in life I think it is still beauiful but incredibly horrible like the umbrella stands made from the leg. I just keep thinking/hoping it was made from an old elephant who died and not poached.
greg