Certainly in the manner of Grinling Gibbons, Dutch 1600s Master carver, and to the quality of the French carvers, Gueret Frères, I have looked for signature, but have not found one. The chest is a bit of a puzzle to me - it has every aspect of being 18th century or earlier - Renaissance. It's not that Renaissance revival goods were not produced through time since, it's just that both quality and 'feel' seems authentically earlier rather than later. The lined interior pulls more to the later centuries, and I honestly can't tell if it's a later addition (early to mid-1800s). I can absolutely date prior to c.1850s, but how much earlier? In any case, the beauty of this one, the full to bas relief modeling of the chimera and grotesque and griffins is as remarkable for the last of damage as for the carving, which always lets us know it's been housed, treasured long and not much moved. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition, all that deep slender elegant carving and I find no breaks, no chips to report. The main box's measurements are noted separately from the outer full length which includes the chimera cabriole legs. Double paw feet - not a chip to a single one. The lock and hinges are intact, and we're searching for a key we can adapt to fit and hope to have a key, but listing is without a working key. The interior lining adds elegance. What a fabulous box for old letters, documents, or serving your wrapped cigars (no it is not a humidor, please don't convert). The closest thing to a small flaw of time on this one is that, rested without lock, the left end of the front of lid rises about 1/8" from perfect flat. I think if lock is engaged, that will be pulled to flush fit, and also unless you're looking directly into it eye level, you'll never notice the tiny lift. A truly exceptional antique box, found in France and to the quality of Gueret Frères but signature not visible. I think, frankly, it is much earlier with a later interior lining added mid-1800s. French carvers? Italian carvers" Dutch or Swiss? Uncertain, but Master carver, certainly.
