Napoleon III kiln-fired enamel and jeweling on the largest of these I've ever seen. In 40 years of dealing antiques, I have never seen a French kiln-fired enamel box this large. Over 11" long plus the cabriole legs, it is an absolute work of art. The Bresse community of enamelists created in this one, a stunning fine box and it has been so well treasured, I can't even find a single raised enamel dot missing, nor anything worse to mention. Definitely Bressen, these ornamented convex panels would each have been worked in a painstaking process of layering powdered enamels, then kiln-firing to melt them to this glassine finish. They're rather fragile, like a layer of fine porcelain on those convex copper plaques (5 in all, all large, no damage to any).
Very good to excellent condition, throughout. Not a single hairline, no chips, clean, elegant, and remarkable for the size as well as condition - just superb! Still has the original moire silk lining, and the only slight flaw I can find to mention is that there is a slight water stain. When I started photographing, I noted one of the cabriole legs was tilted slightly outward, and you can see it in a couple of images. Took a careful solid push to put it back perfectly snug against the casket like all the others. Not a flaw at all. This would date Napoleon III, c.1850-70, and by the engraved signature lock plate, was marketed initially through a fine boutique in Marseille, France. But it was crafted in Bresse, France. This masterpiece even still retains its working lock and original key. Quite amazing, end to end.
