Antique French 18k Gold Vernis Martin Billet Doux, 1700s Love Note Etui, Case rococo "Mars" being the month (March)

"Mars" being the month (March) and not the name of the friend or child of friends who is his subject

I've had a photo of it on its back so you can see what I mean

They might be 14k

this also opportuned the happy result of knives made in coordinating and complimenting fashion with handles

The interior of each is either a layer of opaque white glass or enamel

Antique French 18k Gold Vernis Martin Billet Doux, 1700s Love Note Etui, Case rococo "Mars" being the month (March)The 1" diameter and 4"+ long tube you see is something very special. In France, it was known as a "Billet doux", or "sweet note", quite literally. And it would have contained those sweet notes passed between lovers, friends, from the 1700s through about 1820. One would write a love letter, or message to set a meeting, roll it and put inside the container you see. Then a trusted servant or courier would be dispatched to deliver the correspondence and