Splendid old beauty! Superb condition on this opulently decorated wood cigar chest which is decorated to look like the Victorian English papier mache works, but which is how the French did them. Stronger and less prone to chips or breaks, the wood base box has all the beauty but none of the fragile nature of true papier mache. Date is the same, in France it is Napoleon III (c. 1850-70s). You see it has most of the old original foil within, as well as the lift-out shelf cut to hold 24 cigars. Full measurements noted on the photos, but it is 9.5" long, so good-sized.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, no chips or breaks or cracks and almost all of the mother of pearl inlays retain their oil painting. Even the original foil is embossed and beautiful (see images). Hinges working just fine and the original lock has its working key. Amazing for an item 150-170 years old.
