Rare Antique DEIHL, Paris, French Game Box or Chest, Parquet of Ebony w Marquetry in Ivory, c.1840
A stunning and rare 13" gaming box or chest, coffret, the interior fitted with lift-out compartments for gaming or gambling chips and playing cards. The gambling boxes were a fixture in most elegant homes, brought out for evening entertainment, and in mid-1800s, the French ebenistes or cabinetry makers created such masterpieces as you see here, both functional and decorative. Even among those, this one is special. The workmanship is remarkable, and is in a tight parquet of ebony veneer, inlaid with the most delicate marquetry of ivory. The interior is elegant, as well, and certainly shows the pride these artisans had in their boxes and work. One from my collections, these made in this manner are rare to find, and I've had only about 5 by this maker in this manner through the decades. Lots of photos to show you the intricacies of the work, the fine quality of the hardware. This one retains the maker's engraved lock plate, but at some time it was locked without access to key, and had to