Aucoc aine a' Paris, maker - Palais Royal Necessaire de Voyage - traveler's dressing box. Missing fittings. Aucoc Ainein was one of the finest and most celebrated of the Palais Royal Master ebenistes, tabletiers, and was established in 1820. With an emphasis on finest quality, the firm produced a broad range of luxurious items, with toiletry sets such as this one being particularly famous. Kings, Emperors, Elites of the world count among the patrons of this maker. No, I don't think this box once belonged to the famed Diane de Poitiers, (1499-1566), but it does have her tri-interlocked crescent crest and would indicate it was made in early 1800s for a descendent titled and authorized to use that crest. The quality is very high, a stunning and yet looted box, it no longer has any of the old original interior fitted implements or bottles or jars that would have filled it. We have several that do have full interiors, in case you want one - ask us to point you to them (sold separately), but this is a splendid and unique chest on its own and warrants the interest we have in it, and yours! Diane de Poitiers, prominent courtier at the courts of King Francis I of France, and his son, Henry II. She was a notorious figure as King Henry II's mistress, and had an inordinate power and influence due to his devotion. Her Chateau is a personal (and world-wide) favorite: Chenenceau, in the Loire Valley, France. Perhaps you've visited it, too, and walked the halls in her footsteps, traversing the river as it does. So unique. You'll want to own this heritage box, and learn the history of her family crest and this fascinating woman.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, the box itself and interior remain an example of exquisitely fine production, and were certainly created by a Master. Very heavy old hardwood with polished brass shield that bears the crest of Diane de Poitiers as cartouche. A highly polished brass escutcheon on the working lock is fitted with the original key and does work. The stringing and heavy pencil edging speak of the quality. Signed lock plate, "Aucoc aine - PARIS" give us affirmation of the superb quality - a top maker. The interior would have originally been completely filled with a richness of implements for travel needs, toiletry and sewing, etc., and you see the fitted trays, compartments as they remain now. I do believe the pieces removed and parted out would have been the fine Palais Royal mother of pearl items we often deal in, with 18k gold and kiln-fired enamel crest, a flower, set into mother of pearl or even more likely on this box, 18k gold implements. Alas, you have only the box and the story it wants us to learn of it's owners through time and the heritage of French history the crest affirms. Measurements are noted directly on the photos.
