Found in France recently, this is a superb c.1878 Paris Expo souvenir calling card tray, or bonbon tray. You see the highlight of the 1878 Paris Expo, Chateau l'Eau, there on the largest oval. That monument remains even now, directly across from the Eiffel Tower (from the 1889 Paris Expo). People came from all over the world to attend these monumental Paris Expositions - see all of the newest and finest wares, enjoy the thrilling displays and buildings build especially for the event. This has been a very well-treasured souvenir. These 148 years hence, it shows not a single chip nor hairline or crack. Beautifully preserved, see if you can name all 8 of the other familiar monuments of Paris. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition throughout, age and type considered. No losses to either the pressed gilt-brass alloy framework, nor to the 7 views of Paris apart from a tiny bit of paint in a sky or two - far less than most of these. It's rare enough to find these old ones now, but to find one without so much as a hairline across the glass panels - these are back-painted glass (eglomise). Some added shimmer in areas backed with a thin sliver of mother of pearl to reflect through windows, etc. in the tilt of the light.
