This is a truly wonderful antique French 'Boite a Gants' box made during the Napoleon III Era, 1850-1870. The box is made of hardwood covered with veneers of ebony wood. On the top is a very unusual mother of pearl inlay of a bouquet of roses. Stems and tiny leaves are a silver toned metal with ivory and tiny pieces of abalone shell for additional color. There is what appears to be a white card or small note book at the bottom of the stems. A dragon fly is in flight above the bouquet. At the base of the bouquet is an inlaid white notebook or gift card typical of such notes of the late 1800's. Inside, it is lined with its original French red tufted silk or satin lining. The lid lining is without flaw and the lower on nearly so with the exception of a couple small dark stains. Beautiful exterior & interior and a marvelous decorative box!
Very good condition. The boulle inlays are perfect, the string intact except for two missing pieces on the right side, and the ebony veneer on the top had some hairline cracking but much less than would be expected for a treasure over 150 years old. There is also a small chip to the right corner of the lid, visible from the front. There is a working lock which still secures the box with what likely is the original key. See pictures for measurements.
