Antique French Tortoise Shell & 18k Gold Lorgnette c. 1820- 50, Complete Basilica Saint Anne d'Auray The box appears to be

The box appears to be in gilded white metal but I'm not sure of the actual alloy

Elegant old thing

These would have originally been fitted to their own leather or perhaps crocodile/alligator leather valise

but it is not karat gold unless it has just a layer

Original brush

Antique French Tortoise Shell & 18k Gold Lorgnette c. 1820- 50, Complete Basilica Saint Anne d'Auray The box appears to beA magnificent old French lorgnette in finest shell, with glass clear and undamaged and the handle as beautiful on front and back as any we've seen. A cartouche of 18k yellow gold adorns the one side, making it even more elegant. Perfect to use, as the mechanism works very well and the lenses are clear and unscathed by time. Slight magnification for we aging but fabulous baby boomers who now need just a touch of something to make that tiny text