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 era desk top letters or keepsakes chest, accountant's or shop keeper's writing and receipts box in very good exterior condition, an elegant ebonized finished with Charles X style carved ribbed edging, brass strip or string inlays and a large, gorgeous Tahan style cartouche with colorful hand painted flowers on what appears to be opaque opaline glass! Working likely original key remains with it, works just fine. No signature or maker that I can see but the floral cartouche was almost a 'signature' of fine old Tahan boxes & caddies. There is some damage to the moire silk side baffles, splits at corners and one side but it's all original and there's even a little silk pocket in the lid with its own lovely little machined steel clasp (needs no key, just press down on the center pin). The collapsed measurement is 11 3/4" x 9" x 1 7/8 when flat.
Very good condition. As noted above, there is some damage to the pale blue moire silk accordion style baffles but it will still extend up a few inches. Tears at the corners visible. The exterior of the box itself is in lovely shape, as you can see. There is an ever so slight upward bend to the lid panel but it still closes and locks. Very rare, don't miss it.
