Magnificent Antique French TAHAN Marked Ecritoire, Lap Desk or Writer's Box, Crown Top Monogram, Boulle

Magnificent antique French Napoleon III era TAHAN marked 13.25" wide writer's box, lap desk or "ecritoire" (yes, that's how it's spelled in France) with richly burled walnut veneers, ebony & brass edging, gorgeous boulle style cartouches with incised royal crown & "ME" monogram and all in fabulous condition! A superb old beauty that came directly to us from France and hails 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 style cartouches are just exquisite in this one, set with inlays that are just striking against the ebony veneers and richly burled old hardwoods. A beautiful museum quality decorative piece, the inside of the lock marked "TAHA