Short of TAHAN by only a hair, the cabinetry and box makers from Maison Vervelle, Paris, still deserves highest praise. A handful of Makers to the Kind (du Roi) would include this maker, TAHAN, Giroux and Paul Sormani, and all still retain a higher value on the market. The exquisite attention to detail, hardware, stringing and inlays, as well as the finest woods set them apart from all other makers in the 1800s. This one is exceptionally fine. Around 150 years old, give or take 10 years, just look at it. That elaborate cartouche and escutcheon, the wide stringing and pencil edging - to die for. This is one, monogrammed with C and L, that makes me think of changing my name. Ebonized finish with a splendid natural wood interior, it's a gentleman's box, or was to begin with. Most chests made for women were silk lined. Still, either or, for desk or for jewelry, or sewing box - superb!
Very good to excellent condition throughout. The old original key remains and the lock does work just fine. The hardware includes a brace so that the box holds itself in a fine display angle, lid to box. The very old wood has a very little bit of age to it, but has a superb finish, as you can see. Table box - perhaps cigars? The box is just under 11" long and 8" wide, and is over 4" tall, closed. Ample room for whatever you store, including important documents, letters, or just the imagination of this box and the stories it could tell.
