Early 1800s French opaline glass half-oval, a bit like an egg, and elaborately hinged gilt ormolu framework with alabaster plinth - pretty in display closed and when the top is lifted, it swings back and then under the box to reveal the mounts which would hold 2 perfume or scent bottles, flasks, flacon. I've taken the measurement of the missing scent bottles, noted them on the photos. The fittings also have slightly canted corners. It's a pretty typical little scent bottle from that era, and we see them regularly while in France on buying trips. I'm unsure when I'll be there again to search out ones for this so it's offered to you as you see it, with the fun of searching on your own in Paris for bottles to fill it. Measurements in full are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition thus far, age and type considered. There really are no flaws in the glass, the alabaster plinth, or the superb gilt ormolu framework. As noted, it would have held 2 small scent bottles and those are no longer with it. I've seen one of these fitted as a pin cushion on one side and a older for thimble on the other. You might enjoy doing so as a sewing box or caddy. Or just display it as it is - superb! No chips, nothing to report.
