Late 19th century French souvenirs, items like this one took the aesthetic of a century before, and the era of Marie-Antoinette. The layered paint and varnish surfaces she most preferred, and developed by the Brothers Martin (known simply as "Vernis Martin") adapted to a mass production series of panels assembled as you see here, a miniature of the 16th -18th century sedan chair. Those were made for a person of importance to be carried about by 4 or more other people, raised and carried on long poles attached to either side in brackets. This 7" tall one functions as a pocket watch holder, display or stand, and you can see the original small hook there in the rear of the elegantly lined interior. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent for age and type, and as these go, a remarkably unscathed one. The old silk velvets and moire silk remain in very nice condition, the gold paper trims still intact. The lined back and top are also without tatters to the fabric, though you see small faded dots on the very top as if it might once have been under rain. The decorative panels that front and side the sedan are exceptionally well preserved with only small places where the outermost layers of paint have given way to rewear under layers. All 3 windows, original and beveled and cut to fit the shaped sides and front of the carriage are in fine form, as well. Lots of photos for your review. Found in Paris, of course.
