With a deep 5" diameter magnifying lens and a stunningly beautiful 19th century (Napoleon III era - c.1850-70) cabinetry look to the case, this is a must have for anyone with old family photos or collectors of early photography like cabinet card (c.1870-1900) or stereo view, even. It's a fun prop for a photography studio, or to pair with your own collections of photos and portrait miniatures. I've used it for both. The box opens on 2 hinges as you can see, and further, has hinged 3-tier bracket to adjust angle and a hinged photo holder. Adaptable to the viewers, it greatly enlarges the image, either for display or just to review old photos. One rarely finds them complete and without damage. Quite often the casing for the heavy lens is broken or the outer box quite damaged. The box serves to store old cabinet card photography, as well - was created as a photo box and viewer in one. Large in size, a beautiful desktop or bookshelf item of curiosity and historical significance. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition throughout, with beautiful hardwood burl veneers complimented by other hardwoods, typical of the French Napoleon III era cabinet makers' trade and of the boxes we love to collect from that era. The only little flaws notable are that the v-pin latch closing the box's top 1/3 doesn't really clasp anymore (not necessary for display or use), and there are some fine surface abrasions here or there on that large magnifying glass. It still gives quite a remarkable magnification view. We've had several of these through the decades, and this was the one I kept. Interior wood is as beautiful as the exterior. All mechanisms working fine.
