A spectacular find! Very large table or jewelry or documents box from early 1800s, Napoleon era, set with medallions of kiln-fired enamel in a highly ornate decorative manner. We have had superb old Bress (Bresson) or Sevres enamel boxes over the years and have a good selection now, even in the navy blue you see as base color in the mounts on this larger box, but this is quite an unusual one. Ebonized wood comprises the body of the box, appliqués of bronze or near-bronze cast alloy cover it and much of that is either enameled, itself, or creates the frame into which individually kiln-fired ornamental plaques of copper and enamel work have been set. The sizes vary, and in all there are 12 plaques, 3 of which are smaller ovals (sides of box and one above key escutcheon) which are copper only, having lost the enamel work, but it balances and still looks fabulous. Even the interior is lovely. Perhaps an old sewing or desk box, it has ribbon pins in the inner lid, which once strung again with a silk ribbon, will anchor envelopes, notes, calling cards, or similar ephemera of your choosing, or act as braces for pin brooches you'd like to display - you'll find the perfect spot and use. Isn't it just gorgeous! We've shown it in our final photo with some of the navy or cobalt blue kiln-fired enamel items we have currently in inventory. They're all offered separately, but give you a sense of how to put together a superb tabletop or desktop display of your own. Working lock with original key present, too. WOW!
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. Dating it late Napoleon I, but could be 10 years one way or the other. Our book reference for the early enamel boxes helps us date this one. It has a lovely original silk moire interior lining still in very good form, and while there are slight imperfections on the exterior (a few rub/push mars to the old wood here or there) and the issue of 3 of the plaques being just the copper plaque without its enamel work at this time, it's also priced accordingly for those small imperfections. If we decide to send the 3 medallions out for restoration, we'll up our price once it's finished, of course. I rather like it just as it is since the 3 are matching in size, and are on either side, and one just above the key escutcheon so they look like it should be that way. The box is 13.5" long, (oversized!) and 10" front to back, 6" tall when closed.
