This is a spectacular large gaming chest, at 19" long, 12.5" front to back and 6.75" tall when closed. It comes with a broad array of gaming cards and chips, as it was fitted and found in France. The size of this fine old 19th century box, and it's style, is that of a trousseau or cashmeres chest (boîte a' challes). But it's been fitted to use as a fabulous gambling chest - compartmented lift-out upper tray holds many decks of playing cards, all vintage or antique, and many gambling chips. You can fit it out with your own, or just use it for your jewelry, cosmetics, etc. etc., in any manner you'd like. The lower drawer opens for additional display and storage. Might be a beautiful cabinet display "vitrine" to show off a collection of portrait miniatures, for instance, and I'll click one photo with some of ours displayed in it to show you what I mean. Get creative! A splendid large mid-1800s French chest, made by one of the finest cabinet makers, but no signature on the lock plate. I would have anticipated it saying Tahan, Vervelle, Giroux or Keller, but it is not engraved. Stunning marquetry on this one and a nice satin finish. Look it over - it's superb!
Very good to excellent condition throughout. I see no cracks nor splits in all that gorgeous wood. I think it's rosewood, actually, VERY heavy old thing, and my rosewood dining chairs are rock-solid heavy and look like this grain so I'm rather sure that's what you have in this chest. Solidly constructed, hinges and lid brace hardware working perfectly and the lock works with the original key (included). Side handles fold and recess. This is a very fine quality chest, indeed.
