Last couple of photos before group photos will show you what this magnificent box once was, before the interior lining, mirror, trays and Palais Royal sewing tools were gutted. We owned and sold the very similar one ini magnificent condition with all its original interior, shell and cut steel pique work. This one is waiting for you to do restoration inside, to lovingly make a tray fitted to your own collection of Palais Royal sewing implements and scent bottle, and if you're truly clever, to also make the padded silk on silk embroidered protective pad. I'm too old to even take on the project, but I'd love to see it when you're finished. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good condition for age and type, the box's exterior is beautifully preserved, and lacks only the key for the working lock. The carved natural mother of pearl shell has no damage, no chips or cracks. There are rim cutaways to accommodate the cut steel pique work, no chips. A rainbow reflective pearl surface still shimmers in light. I find no loss to the steel nail pique, and the ebony finish shows a bit of age, but no break or cracks. It's lost its interior apart from the silk satin lining in bottom half. A project piece, yes, and you might wish to return it to glory as a sewing box, or change the interior to use as a jewelry box. Or just leave it as it is and display it as you see it. Pretty with fine antique jewelry on top! NOTE: the item being sold is the shell-topped box shown in most of the photos. Any other items in view are not included. I've shown 2 of these shell-topped boxes complete with their sewing items, just to let you see what this one once was - so noted on those photos. Those each would sell above $5,000, and are very rare - NOT SOLD IN THIS OFFERING.
