Isn't it just stunning - the elaborate boulle work with colored insets in with the brass work decoration. I've noted it as Napoleon III ear (c.1850-70) but that ripple-carved edging is from the earlier Charles X era in French aesthetic, and so it might be another decade or 2 earlier. I'll err to the side of caution however with dates. A large table or trousseau box, gentleman's chest, noting that the interior's elegant hardwood was typically a gentleman's box, while ladies boxes were usually fitted out inside with fine tuck/tufted silk lining. Nicely made, the hardware to include the brace for lid to keep it from opening back too far (see detail photos), and a bright lock plate, hinges and working lock - but we have no working key at listing time. We will try to match it with some of our stash of spare antique keys, but at listing time, it is shown, listed and priced without key. We'll annotate should that change. Full measurements noted on the photos. Larger than most boxes of that era, dramatic, elegant and jewel-like. Found in France.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, though it is not perfect. While the intricate inlays and boulle work remains in very good order, and the ripple-carved edging trim is all in place, I will note that there are some surface imperfections associated with age. There is no warp to the box, so it closed smoothly and evenly. The bottom of the box, shown in our photos, is a bit unusual in that it's an unfinished wooden panel, a couple of splits or separations in the old joints of the board, and one corner also a bit rough. The interior veneer seems not to be split, is made in cross-grain from the underside bottom. Beautiful old thing - would be fabulous as a cigar chest, or desk box or jewelry cabinet. Nearly 200 years in age, it's still a beauty!
