One of the very early ones, with the metal fringe all around - this is a style we really don't see by the beginning of the Napoleon III era, so it's pre-1850, most likely Louis Philippe era (1830s). This is a very French little "vide poche" or, literally, an empty pocket. This type item was always at a bedside table and would be the repository for anything one carried each day - rings, jewelry, pocket watch, or perhaps a small coin purse The souvenir painting you see is "eglomise" or back painted glass, and is a small painting of the Place Vendome in Paris. You see Napoleon's statue there atop the tall pillar. A center of fine commerce, banking, elegant housing, it is located just beyond the Tuileries Palace. A charming little painting and a wonderful item no doubt from the boutiques of the old Palais Royal close by (Cardinal Richelieu's Palace).
Very good to excellent condition with no breaks to the old painted glass view of Place Vendome. There might be a few of the little icicle-like fringe missing. Look through our images to evaluate. There is a very slight brownish coloration impacting the sky to the side of the monument. Perhaps indication of some moisture getting through from the backside at some time. The glass panel is sightly convex, highly polished - fine quality. Measurements are noted on our photos.
