An extremely rare 18th century antique partially gilded steel etui (case) by the Russian Tula Arms (Gun) Manufacture, circa 1750.

The etui is decorated with superbly chiseled clusters of military trophies and Rococo scrolls, against gilded ground.

The etui still holds some of its original drawing instruments. Clearly, the etui was made for a military officer.

An identical etui from the Hermitage museum collection in St. Petersburg, is illustrated in Art Objects In Steel by Tula Craftsmen, 1974, plate 10-11.

Length – 10 cm (3 7/8 in.)

18th century Tula steel objects practically do not exist outside museum collections.