The majestic size and impressive beauty of this Napoleon III era cigar tantalus is amazing. Extra large at 12.25" x 9.5" and 9" high when closed, it has presence. The panels look like fine carvings, similar to those that thrill us from the Black Forest hunt plaques, but they are each mould cast gutta percha plaques. All 4 plaques are without damage, are superb. The large tantalus still has original working lock with its key, and lifts up and back to reveal the slide-out trays that hold cigars for service. Not a humidor, no mechanism to put moisture in the air, so it is a serving cabinet only. There are a few items inside the pull-out drawer, including a really nice old leather cigar case for vest, and a butter tool. There is also a card with info about the item being given as a prize at a hunt. I'm sure it's from the Napoleon III era, c.1850-70s, so perhaps it was a gift later on, too. Elegant old thing, isn't it. I love the 'Fruits of the Hunt" theme in everything - particularly this cigar chest, cabinet.
Very good condition for age and type, there are a few small losses to the exterior, in form of flaked bits along the narrowly worked trim boards. You'll look very closely to see them, however, and probably won't see them without a very close inspection. Just bear mention. The flaw notable is that the interior cigar shelves had both warped and also split and been restored. They're shown well in our images so you can evaluate them. All are sturdy and will be serviceable in use, but they do have that old restoration and we've figured it into our price. Each of the 4 shelves will hold 12 cigars, for a total of 48.
