Splendid large table box, this would have been a smallish trousseau box or chest, casket, coffret in its time - a box for a bride's silk 'things', keepsakes incidental to her marriage, and kept afterward for her jewelry to accumulate, as well. The interior is original cream silk satin and the crossover silk ribbons work to tuck portrait miniatures, or cards or notes, love letters, small mementos to be held in place by the ribbon. This one still has the 'etiquette' or purveyor's stamps on the papered bottom, and the old working lock still has its original key. A fine late French Empire chest, full measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition throughout, age and type considered. There is not a flaw on that exotic burl wood exterior, which is a stunning wood, the name of which I am not certain. The silk moire lining is untattered, not shredded as 200 year old silk sometimes is, and while it has a little darkening to it, it remains just beautiful. No, no odors. Cast iron paw feet corner it solidly, and the hinged handle up top in dore bronze is rich against the cognac to chocolate wood. Fabulous old treasure, over 200 years old.
