Charming antique French Napoleon III or Victorian era pocket watch or pendant display casket or miniature vitrine, a lovely little box with thick beveled glass canted facade and sides set in a rich gold or gilded pressed brass framework! Referred to as a "porte montre" in France, an item whose sole purpose is to beautifully display your timepiece when not in use. Of course, it could also be used to display a treasured pendant or smaller portrait miniature or even religious relic. Surely a souvenir of some sort and similar to the small French pocket watch caskets that we've had in the past though there is no place or region inscription on this one. Original tufted beige or tan silk or satin base and backing, quite age tattered but there, and the original little hook toward the top is secure. Great to display a fine antique or heirloom pocket watch or pendant.
The Napoleon III period, also known as the Second Empire, was marked by a revival of grandeur and artistic eclecticism. Under the rule of Emperor Napoleon III, there was a strong return to the luxurious aesthetics of earlier French royal courts—especially those of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI blended with innovations brought about by industrial progress. The jewelry caskets of this era were not only functional storage for precious items, but also objects of display, often presented on a lady’s vanity or within a vitrine cabinet, underscoring the wealth, refinement, and status of their owners.
The beveled glass on all sides, including the lid, creates an almost jewel-like visual effect. The thick bevels refract light beautifully, adding a touch of brilliance and depth. Glass was not merely utilitarian but decorative—a luxury in itself due to the cost and craftsmanship involved. These transparent panels also served to display the contents, typically fine jewelry, miniature portraits or sentimental keepsakes virtually turning the interior into a kind of private stage.
Good condition. Some slight surface scratches/marks to the glass surface as you'd expect with age And there is a large-ish chip to the front glass panel, lower left corner, and also a smaller upper left corner. As noted, the interior fabric is quite age tattered, as you can see in the pictures. See images for all measurements.
