Charming antique French Napoleon III or Victorian era pocket watch or pendant display casket or miniature vitrine, a lovely little box in the form of a chair or dressing table or vanity with rear beveled mirror backing and casket below with thick beveled glass set in a rich gold or gilded pressed brass framework! Referred to as a "porte montre" in France, an item whose sole purpose is to beautifully display your timepiece when not in use. Of course, it could also be used to display a treasured pendant or smaller portrait miniature or even religious relic. Surely a souvenir of some sort and similar to the small French pocket watch caskets that we've had in the past though there is no place or region inscription on this one. Great to display a fine antique or heirloom pocket watch or pendant.
The Napoleon III period, also known as the Second Empire, was marked by a revival of grandeur and artistic eclecticism. Under the rule of Emperor Napoleon III, there was a strong return to the luxurious aesthetics of earlier French royal courts—especially those of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI blended with innovations brought about by industrial progress. The jewelry caskets of this era were not only functional storage for precious items, but also objects of display, often presented on a lady’s vanity or within a vitrine cabinet, underscoring the wealth, refinement, and status of their owners.
The beveled glass on all sides, including the lid, creates an almost jewel-like visual effect. The thick bevels refract light beautifully, adding a touch of brilliance and depth. Glass was not merely utilitarian but decorative—a luxury in itself due to the cost and craftsmanship involved. These transparent panels also served to display the contents, typically fine jewelry, miniature portraits or sentimental keepsakes virtually turning the interior into a kind of private stage.
Very good condition. Some slight surface scratches/marks to the glass surface and some darkened spots to the mirror's silvering as you'd expect with age. Possibly a small nip or two but no chips or cracks. The hinged casket lid glass panel is a flat, later replacement, not beveled. As noted, the interior fabric is rather age tattered and there is no lining on the actual base of the box. See images for all measurements.
