Sealing wax case (étui) 1762-63 French, Paris As described in the eighteenth century étuis were covered cylindrical containers for toothpicks, needles or pins; an example probably quite similar to this was sold by the marchand-bijoutier Lazare Duvaux to Madame de Pompadour in November 1755. From Duvaux we learn that étuis were also used as sealing-wax cases, their flat bases engraved in reverse with a coat of arms or monogram. In January 1752 Duvaux charged for the engraving of a coat of arms on the base of one étui, and in July 1756 altered another by remaking the base and having the coat-of-arms re-engraved. As all surviving étuis of this type have flat bases their function may be deduced according to their size. This, the largest and most common size, was probably intended for sealing wax.. Sealing wax case (étui). French, Paris. 1762-63. Gold. Metalwork-Gold and Platinum