It seems impossible for one of these to stay in our inventory more than a few days or weeks. I'm sure it will be no different for this Napoleon III era (c.1850-70s) beauty. It is large and elegant, 10 1/4" wide, 8 1/2" front to back (closed) and 8 1/4" tall without any feet. The double-hinged hardware lifts the top and folds it back, but also braces it at a perfect aesthetic angle as only the finest of these do. The French are always aware of aesthetic! Four sliding trays display and offer up to 32 cigars. Beautifully crafted, makes a beautiful statement at home or office. Stunning burl wood veneer without any losses, all trimmed with contrasting ebony finish mouldings. Very formal! Full measurements noted on photos.
Very good to excellent condition throughout, age and type considered. It is not perfect, but close. I have highlighted in the photos the 1 restored tray (center line), which do have a tendency to break over centuries there at the openwork cutaway. There is a very slight warp to one tray, yet it slides on the gliders and fits fine. The glider wood mounts seem slightly small or shelves have shrunk very slightly, or I have them on the wrong runners, as they seem barely held on the slides. One might wish to replace those slender wood sliders on inner sides so that 'play' is not an issue for you. One back edge moulding seems to have been repaired at some point, and I've put an extra photo of that for your inspection - not much noticeable and is at back. Again, showing it as it arrived so you'll know, but that will be nicely restored for our buyer - the chip filled and stained. Fabulous burl wood trimmed in dramatic ebony finish trim. The escutcheon and cartouche are intact and gorgeous, with the very back of top one just slightly up, not quite flush with the wood. Not visible so much as to be felt with the fingertip. All intact, but aged in that way we expect. At listing, no key for the lock so we'll see if we have one to fit among our stash - won't guarantee it will come with a key. A truly magnificent large chest, this!
