Wonderful antique French Napoleon III era Second Empire or Empire Revival style jewelry or desk casket, an ornate pressed brass or bronze box with ornate bas relief decoration including crossed torches, scrolling acanthus, flowers & ribbon and with a Limoges enamel profile portrait miniature medallion! The miniature a profile bust of a woman, meant for market, painted on a convex copper panel. The colors wonderful, including semi-metallic royal blue & lavender and the artist's initials visible on the right side that appear to be "L.F."(?). The top panel, framing the portrait, is a pressed or machined field of stars and the shaping of the box itself is quite attractive. Don't miss it.
Very good condition, age considered. The most obvious flaws are two small rim splits to the front & rear corners of the base/box portion (both hidden by the overlapping lid when closed). Also, the two front bun feet have been soldered back on at some point with the solder covered in a gold paint. The lid and base have linings have been replaced with a newer cream or beige moire type fabric (not silk) bu the red velvet side lining appears to be original. See images for all measurements.
