Antique French papier mache mother of pearl inlaid patch or snuff box

A fabulous item probably from the nineteenth Century, this little papier mache box has inlaid mother of pearl detail on the lid.
Size approx length 6cm, width 3.5cm, height 2cm.
The lid is hinged with a metal pin, this is fragile and the box is a little battered with some loss of the mother of pearl inlay but it is very pretty and still useable today.
Originally the box may have been used for the decorative patches applied to the face during the eighteenth century, or it may have been a snuff box, probably for a lady. Snuff taking was undertaken by both sexes. The lid closes neatly so it would have been airtight.

We are able to post out parcels from Metropolitan France and shipping fees are shown. Please allow plenty of transit time, as European post is notoriously slow!
*The customer is responsible for any import duties incurred for an item. We will require a telephone number to add to the customs forms, to help prevent any delays or transit problems. If you refuse delivery of an item due to customs costs, please be aware that your parcel's postage costs will be forfeit, although we are happy to refund the item purchase price upon return.
**Please also note that deliveries within France are usually made to a Pont Relais collection point, there are usually a number of these located in shops and supermarkets in each town, and you will be given the opportunity to specify which one you prefer if this service is available for your location. Otherwise I will select the shop with the longest opening hours within your area. Deliveries to other European destinations are generally to your doorstep.
***Currently deliveries to the UK are impacted by Brexit paperwork and procedural delays but the situation has eased. Etsy collects all taxes due at point of order so there should be no further charges, subject to customs clearance.

Our items are carefully selected antique and vintage pieces from France and they show the character and charm of years of use. We do not sell new or reproduction items so you can expect to find signs of the age and life that the piece has led. We believe this history adds to the story of an item. Obvious damage and faults will always be mentioned in our descriptions but minor age-related condition issues are not considered a detriment.