Stunningly beautiful and very well preserved, this is an extra large table box, by Napoleon III standards, and was likely a trousseau chest or 'bride's coffret', in original use. Elegant serpentine form with canted corners and large engraved pencil edging top and bottom, fine exotic burl wood with contrasting inlays and boulle work cartouche, it retains it original hardware, working lock, and key some 150-170 years later on. The interior lid has the original silk moire lining intact, but it has been removed or taken out in the bottom half, leaving it for you to choose your own silk lining (it's a very simple job, really), depending on taste. Might it have once been fitted as a sewing or vanity box? Perhaps, though it is quite large for that use for its timeframe. I think a padded creamy off-white lining for bottom would make it magnificent as a large jewelry chest. A gentleman might, on the other hand, wish to line it with hardwood and use it as a desk box or even to store cigars. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, no veneer missing or raised, no missing brass edging, and all inlays up top are set firmly. Opulent burl wood, great contrasts and nothing missing but the interior bottom lining. Raised on bun feet which might use a re-staining, dark. Photos show it from all angles and sides.
