The 19th century excellence of top ebenistes (cabinet makers) of France was on display in the very popular and fairly vase array of decorative boxes. I think the first antique I ever bought was a marquetry box when I was a Grad student in London, long ago. And we used to deal heavily in these stunning fine old 19th century boxes, too, before branching into so many other avenues of the fine arts and antiques we now present. It is with such pleasure I still approach old boxes when on buying trips; there is always the promise of some glorious fitted interior, loads of vanity items or layers of travel necessities or gaming chips. One never knows. And it is with equal pleasure we bring a special bunch of antique French boxes to our customers, all listing today and all sold separately. The final image will help you gauge scale. And if you don't see what you want in this bunch, use search box to find all the most superb antique boxes we already have listed. From huge cashmere shawls or marriage chests, to the small watch box or snuff boxes. Fabulous to collect. I still do!
This one is a RARE Napoleon III accountant's or shop keeper's writing and receipts chest or box, very good condition, with a beautifully finished exterior in Walnut with stringing in lemonwood, hinged handle and escutcheon in rather elaborate and elegantly cast brass. Working original key remains with it, works smoothly. No signature on the lock plate on this one, but it's a fine quality 19th century box. The collapsed measurement is 12" x 9.5" x 1.5", fully expanded, the height is nearer 6-7".
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. No missing brass, no missing veneer, satin-like finish that begs the touch. Working lock and original ornamental key. The interior's original red leather baffled lining is fully intact, though as you can see, there is a little split at one or two old fold or end points (otherwise superb). The interior lid has a splendid leather folio for a writer's or business person's stationery or receipts, and the capacity of interior varies based on how much in placed inside, up to a maximum of about 2 reams of type paper with it fully expand. Rare piece, we've never seen another like it and suspect it was a custom order. I'm having a hard time listing this one - I want to keep it for my family's historical letters, deeds, documents. What a rare find and one any accountant or attorney will definitely want. So clean inside and out!
