Large 12 3/4" x 9 1/4" Antique French Napoleon III Boulle Chest, Box, Coffret, Casket
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 er