Early to mid-1800s French sugar casket in pristine condition throughout and still with a working lock and original key. How rare is that to find! Found in France, a fun little rural antiques market we love attending when there, this one really doesn't have a flaw to note. The top and bottom are mould-cast thick glass, transparent rather than opaline, but with impressed 'crackle' surface to the glass, it seems semi-transparent. The earliest sugar caskets or caddy boxes from France are typically a little smaller than this 5" long one, and the later ones are a bit larger (adjusting to the change in rarity and value of refined sugar), helping us date it to c.1830-50. Visually thrilling and rare! Full measurements are noted on photos.
Excellent condition throughout, I really find no flaws to note. There are no chips nor hairlines anywhere on the old glass and both side handles are intact and do lift for use (hinged). The framework and legs are complete and undamaged and the original key remains in the working lock. Beautiful
