Fine Antique French Napoleon III (1840-70) Gaming or Game Box with Cards and Gambling Chips
The rippled edge framing in the top of this gaming chest is a transitional motif between France's Charles X and Napoleon III eras, and helps us date it c. 1840-1870s. Beautifully crafted chest, cabinet, is complete and very well preserved outside and in, loaded with old gaming or gambling chips, 54 antique cards and a set of 5 dice. Even the working lock still has its key, though it appears perhaps a very small escutcheon there might have gone missing - hardly noticeable, really, but we'll note it. Full measurements noted on our photos. Very good to excellent condition throughout on this fine set. The box is in remarkably fine and beautiful condition, brass stringing and ripple-carved rim fully intact, and an elaborate cut and engraved large cartouche up top, well set even after a century and a half. Seems hardly used, and is as beautiful left open as it is closed. Hinges are excellent, and there is no warp to the wood. Interior trays for 4 players, and the round lift-out ante cup are