You probably know I'm a box collector from way way back. My favorites are all French. And those created by the ebenistes (cabinet makers) of the Napoleon III era (c.1850-70) are definitely stand-outs. Makers competed for top honors, most elegant work in parquet and marquetry, and most opulent finished caskets of all sorts, each one for a specific purpose. Least made among them, however, was a tea caddy. The French do not "do" tea, and those found were most often commissions to the English. It's always fun to find a fine French Napoleon III tea caddy, and this one in particular is superb. Kingwood, the straight grain lends itself so well to the chevron and parquet patterns in geometric designs. When you see an engraved lock plate, first the thoughts are "TAHAN" or Vervelle, or Giroux or Paul Sormani. Those firms led in finest quality and diverse products. I admit I know little about the maker's mark engraved on this lock plate, but the quality is that of TAHAN and I have wondered if perhaps it was then doing work for other firms to market. In any case, the double well tea caddy you see here has all the finest fittings, craftsmanship and hardware of one of those most lauded makers. Fabulous brass pencil edging and trim, serpentine front, chevron and parquet veneer crafting in Kingwood. Open up to a beautiful interior of contrasts in hardwood veneers from other wood types, all the original well covers and tea press lids completely intact and still with perfect knobs. A treasure!
Very good to excellent condition, complete veneers, all lids, all undamaged. Working lock with original key. Engraved lock plate noting a shop in the Marais, Paris. Heavy brass pencil edging throughout. This is top quality and exceptionally well-preserved. I can't see a flaw to note. Dates c.1850-70s, Napoleon III, or mid-Victorian since it would have been made for the English. Full measurements noted on the photos.
