Alphonse GIROUX is a superb maker, purveyor of luxury goods, 19th century Paris. The original label is on the bottom of this box and is fully intact. Shown in images. The maker would be equivalent to a Tiffany in the USA, underlining the quality and prestige. A truly magnificent c.1840-70 French jewelry chest, casket, large in size and with the old original fittings still in very nice condition for age and type. I'm sure that it would have originally had 2 scent bottles in those open fittings, and I've pulled a set we have in inventory to put in for a couple of the photos just so you can picture it in a more original form. I've also given dimensions of those 2 openings so you can hopefully find a pair among your own that can fit and give it a more complete presentation. While it is a jewelry box, it's the kind of one that is fabulous to display collections of all kinds, from jewelry to micro mosaics, to portrait miniatures or any smaller items of value - coins, mourning brooches. The inclusion of the 4 beautiful drawers which open once it is unlocked and the upper half folded up and back also make superb spots to open and display a collection. Larger than any fitted jewelry box we've had, it still also has the pocket watch holder/stand there in center back. You see fittings for rings, earrings, pendants/chains and compartments for "etc.". In my final photo, I've shown it with a variation of items to show you what I mean. The old burled wood and the serpentine front, cast appliqués and trims are a combination of rich elements which culminate in a truly exquisite chest, closed. The original key still attends and the lock does work. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition throughout for age and type. No missing cast appliqué or gadrooning. No losses to the elaborate and elegant veneers. A compliment of hardwoods and to angles adds so much interest and appeal to the form. The interior has most of the original fittings, and I can tell there have even a couple of re-lining actions but it's not obvious unless you go looking. It seems likely there would have once been a lift-out tray of sewing or vanity tools in that front larger opening. Now it's a perfect display for your finest jewelry, pendants, watches or whatever. Lots of photos - look them over. It's going on 180-150 years old.
