Such an elegant old French gloves box, dating last half of 1800s, and mounted with what is very likely a Sevres hand painted porcelain plaque up top (we'll call it "Old Paris"). The opulent kingwood set in typical and gorgeous chevron parquet work, a copious amount of cast brass trim - it's just a spectacular box! There are 3 flaws to note: porcelain plaque has a hairline crack, and there are 2 bottom edging wood trim pieces missing (at canted corner, one front right, one left rear of casket). Not so much to complain about after about 170 years or so, particularly when the old working lock and original key still remain. The box is a glove box, was in it's time. Now we think of these just as opulent desktop boxes or document and love letter treasure boxes. The hinged double door front is an upscaled feature (in its time). Imagine your own gloves housed within, you know - those you've bought over the years from the tiny French boutiques in the Marais. Yes!
Very good to excellent condition for age and materials. There are 3 flaws to note: porcelain plaque has a hairline crack, and there are 2 bottom edging wood trim pieces missing (at canted corner, one front right, one left rear of casket). Not so much to complain about after about 170 years or so, particularly when the old working lock and original key still remain. All of the trim cast bronze or brass alloy border trim and etc., remains intact. The box's kingwood veneer is just superb! No missing pieces, no lifts. The box's magnificent burled maple interior is as beautiful as the exterior. You'll want to display it open, I'm afraid. Box is 11" x 4.5" and is 4.5" tall when closed.
