Tortoise
shell
Tortoise shell has long been used as a decorative material. The
most appreciated by all craftsmen comes from the Eretmochelys
Imbricata tortoise. It is called Caret shell. Its color
ranges from black to dark brown, with more or less numerous yellow
to light brown stains. It can be found in various sizes of plates,
the thickness of which can vary between 8/10 mm to 4 or 5 mm.
During the XIXth century, another type of shell was used, called
"Franche" and coming from the Chelonya Mydas
tortoise. These plates are much thinner. The same type was used
by Jules Leleu during the Art deco period. Since the Washington
Convention, the trade of such shell is strictly prohibited.
Varoious
types of shell, with visible salt deposit.
The trade of Caret shell is also strictly regulated. We sell
only "pre-convention" stock which has been duly declared
Horn
We can also provide flattened horn (3 to 5 mm thick plates).
These plates, once sawed or planed, have a perfectly translucid
aspect and can be used for the restoration of XVIIIth century
clocks. It can be colored with pigments. The latter are glued
with paper, according to the traditional old technique.