This is a very fun item, Napoleon III era (c.1850-70) presentation box for some fabulous French chocolatier's boutique, and into which their confections would have been delicately placed. These gift boxes were meant to be saved as souvenir of the gift of the chocolate confections, and some remain today to thrill collectors with the traditions. This one is early celluloid, one of the earliest plastics. It has a hand colored intaglio print portrait miniature after the likeness of Marie-Antoinette, set into an elaborately embroidered silk panel with opulent French 'sparkles', sequins. Protecting that is the original convex cover glass. A large 4 5/8" diameter and 2" depth tells us it was meant to be used later as a powder box, not a snuff box. Unique, these are often one of a kind, hand made.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, the one flaw notable is pointed out with an 'x' and is a split on perimeter panel of the lid, which has been repaired but is visible. Full measurements noted on the photos.
