Antique French Ormolu Jewel Box with Silk Lining

Such a beautiful piece, this is an excellent example of a 19th Century French ormolu jewel casket, with bevelled glass and faded pink silk lining. It would have been used to display small pieces of special jewellery and is in an elaborate Napoleon III style.

Formed of pressed brass with an ormolu finish, which has largely faded over time, this is a highly decorative piece, with beautiful designs to the main case, and standing on bun feet. What makes this box particularly striking is the etched grape vine design to the top.

This box does show its age with some signs of wear. Most notably, one corner of the bevel edged glass to the top has been chipped. The lining is also coming away from the edges inside the box. But while the pink has faded (this originally would have been a striking magenta), it has left a delicate dusky colouring. Some of the metalwork towards the base has also bent a little over time. 

On the whole, though, this is a solid piece which is still very usable, complete with its original fittings. 

Height, 4.5cm; Width, 8.5cm; Depth, 6cm