Rare Antique French "Vervelle" Boulle Game or Gambling Box and Gaming Chips in Mother of Pearl
Splendid and large, this is a mid-19th century (Napoleon III) masterpiece gaming chest by Vervelle, one of the finest names in French cabinetry and boxes, coffret, caskets in all 19th century Europe, and it bears the maker's mark engraved on the lock plate, "Vervelle Aine" (Paris). Elaborate boulle lid with a heavy cast border trim in a shell motif, all that color against the Napoleon III era's popular 'ebonized' finished wood makes it feel more like a jewel than a box. As beautiful as it is closed, it's a thrill to open at your gaming table - loaded with hundreds of gaming chips (jeton) in mother of pearl. They're in lift-out sections for 4 players, and there is a lift-out lathe-turned round ante cup, as well. The front 2 compartments are meant for 2 decks of playing cards, slightly narrow for modern decks, but are holding 2 antique game counters, so just fabulous as a bonus. Large at 12 1/4" long x 9" and sleek 2 1/4" tall, closed. All that mother of pearl is heavy and will be packed