Rare c. 1730-1780s Antique French Billet Doux in Vernis Martin Stain, Figural ramekin A lovely piece and nicely

A lovely piece and nicely sized for display at just under 10" wide

The history-rich old palace of Cardinal Richelieu

The artist's signature appears on this beautiful portrait

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Rare c. 1730-1780s Antique French Billet Doux in Vernis Martin Stain, Figural ramekin A lovely piece and nicelyBillet doux, quite literally "sweet note" that is term and purpose of these rare wonderful bits of the 1700s past. This one is spectacular with hand painted scenes of 1700s life, including a couple and their baby in carriage (see images). Some would misidentify this as a cigar case, and I suppose one could use it that way, but it's not what the item is. These are truly fascinating old treasures of the era of Marie Antoinette and shortly before