Antique Napoleon III French Empire cut crystal and gilt bronze mounted writing / desk set. Comprising of a page turner and wax seal housed in the original presentation box. Of gorgeous hand blown cut crystal in a rare purple color. Enhanced with gilt ormolu mounts, decorated in similar Louis XVI style pattern consisting of floral garlands, ribbon bows and ornate filigree. The wax seal / desk stamp finished with a monogrammed matrix, bearing interlaced initials ED in elegant script. Page turners were a popular desk accessory, ideal for protecting fingers and gloved hands from printing ink when turning pages of books or newspapers. Also ideal for protecting old manuscripts and books, preventing tears and ensuring there would be no finger prints or oils left on the delicate pages.
In overall very good condition with no chips or cracks to the lovely purple crystal, there are a few trapped airbubbles. Some wear to the gilding on the mounts. Having been protectively housed in a cream velvet and satin lined fitted presentation box, which shows some wear commensurate with age and use. The letter opener measures 8 5/8" length x 1" wide. Wax seal is 4" length. Box measures 10 3/8" x 4 3/4" x 1 7/8" tall.