A stunning Napoleon III era (c.1850-70s) French writer's chest, slope, box, in Kingwood veneers, bright brass pencil edging setting off the beautifully crafted grains of the hardwood. This rises to the level of art, and is in top quality, signature engraved on the lock plate is Vervelle, Paris. Of the very pinnacle of ebenistes working furnishing and these amazing array of boxes in 19th century, several names: TAHAN, Vervelle, P. Sormani, and Alphonse Giroux top the lists. And this one is in very nice condition for age, needs you to fill in inkwells and your own engraved stationery, pens - make it your own! The old original silk velvet writing slope remains and isn't much worn by age, though you see some splitting at the fold. Always nice to have it as close to original as possible. Measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, the wood on this one are a thrill! Vervelle seems to me to have mastery in excess when it came to the kingwood boxes. This is a slender, sleek designed writer's cabinet, "slope" as the British call them. All original as you see it but a very small veneer restoration on an unobtrusive corner back, which I've shown in detail for your review. The silk velvet writer's surface is still very nice, not much loss to the nap, and it is original to the box. Exceptionally nice hardware, typical of Vervelle and the other top makers. The lock is a working lock but we do not have the original key. Sometimes we can match one from our spares, but if we do, we'll annotate the listing. As it is listed, it is priced and stands without the key. No lifts to the veneers - a stunning fine work of cabinetry, this! As noted, the inkwells are no longer with this one, but can be replaced with relative ease. There is storage space under the writing surface for your stationery and a covered compartment for pens, etc., and seal if you'd like to use it.
