Oversized table box would have begun life as a bride's trousseau or marriage chest, her dainty silks and jewelry would have traveled with her to her new home in a special chest like this one. The work is c.1850s and 'after' (in the manner of) the brass and shell marquetry work created by André Charles Boulle, cabinet maker to the king (1642-1732). This one has an elegant form which cants inward as it rises to the lid. Working lock with key which has a cinnabar carved ball and fringe which is also antique, topping up the elegance. Fabulous now as a jewelry or collections box, or as a stunning cigar presentation chest. Full measurements noted on our photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, brilliant in restoration, it shows how these original boulle chests would have looked, bright brass double-layer cut with shell and then inlaid. Notice how the top of lid is a mirror image of itself, left and right. There are no lifts to the brass, the surface is flat and, as noted, professionally restored in France to highest appeal and beauty. No loss to the shell marquetry. The interior has been professionally refitted in a salmon/hot pink moire silk and is to die for. You'll want to open it to thrill your guests. Only the bottom gives the age away, which would be 170 or so years old.
