Found in Paris, a Napoleon III (c.1850-70s) French artist's set. The box is a real beauty, dark walnut with brass stringing and cartouche (not yet monogrammed). Typically when we're able to find these, they are watercolors and pencil, conte or charcoal bricks of solid watercolor and, if we're very lucky, paint mixing pots in old cold pressed French porcelain. This one include a lift-out full tray of drafting tools, as well as orange painted measuring and scripting rulers. Four undamaged mixing pots, and an interesting sharpening tool for lead or charcoal. There're a lot of watercolor bricks in this one, even though some are used and some are broken - still usable. A marvelous set for use or display. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good condition for age and type. The set is over 100 years old and has been used. The box is a beauty, has a working lock but no key at listing time. From side-view, we can confirm there is a slight warp to the lid (see detail images) and that slight warp of the old wood, while it has not left a line or crack and isn't much noticeable, it has squished the stringing and caused a small rise in the brass, left of screen about midway. It's firmly set, still, just has a kink-rise. Four porcelain mixing pots without any damage. Lots of watercolor bricks, some in pieces but a lot of colors. I can't see the embossed brand name on those that are close to complete. Drafting set is a nice one - student grade. We are always searching for these, and the 2-3 we find each year are always sold quickly. Don't miss this fine one!
