Antique c.1795-1815 Chocolatier's or Confectioner's presentation box. Remarkably fine condition throughout. Top is a curved panel of laid glass made specially for the casket, printed and hand colored, a young woman with a pet butterfly on a thread. All sides are glass panels so the buyer and recipient could see the bonbons and confections inside. Likely sold from a boutique of the Palais Royal, which was not just a center of commerce for Nobility, but also a center of theatre and dining in that era (roughly Napoleonic). Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. The very early ones were small like this - rare to find in such fine condition. No breaks on any of the 5 panels of glass, and both hinge and papered handmade box are remarkably well preserved. Even the interior mirror is superb and undamaged. The silk ribbon remains (lid brace) but needs only to be reattached to the lid in order to hold it open. Lid is heavier, needs contents inside in order not to tip it over - the ribbon brace would help. Paper interior and exterior nearly complete, some aging and a little surface dust which may or may not clean off. Will leave it to our buyer.
