Antique French Ecritoire Writer's Desk, Chest, 13" Napoleon III Era, Exotic Woods, Boulle
A superb old beauty that comes to us from the Napoleon III era (c. 1850-70, approximately), a period of highest aesthetic in boxes and chests, caskets, rich with the skills of Master ebenistes, (ebaniste) work. Those are the furniture and cabinetry tradesmen in France and the era brought forth a myriad of the finest old boxes. I've been a box collector from way way back, and these rise above all in my opinion. The boulle cartouche is just beautiful in this one, set with inlays of mother of pearl against the marquetry of brass and the veneers of beautifully contrasted old hardwoods. The style of this one is my favorite, as well, with hinged upper cap that folds back and away to reveal storage for your stationery and all inside. One original inkwell of the 2 that would have come with it remains in the chest, as does the old original silk velvet writing surface. It misses a strip there at the fold, but still, better to have the old original cut silk velvet than a replacement. I've cleaned