Napoleon III French Boulle Stationery Box, c.1850

Antiques : French Boulle : Box

 

Gorgeous mid-19th century French Boulle stationery box. It is made of ebonized Brazilian rosewood and has a stunning inlaid medallion of brass, mother of pearl and shell -- framed by more inlaid brass, mother of pearl and brass stringing -- on the hinged panel that lifts to reveal the interior slotted sections of the box. At the front of the box there is a pull out drawer that contains two small custom inkwells, a covered compartment for stamps, and an open compartment behind for pens and the like. The very top of the box has a medallion of brass and mother of pearl, and there is brass stringing at the front and sides of the box. The ebonized rosewood is filigreed at the edges of the lift up panel and at the top of the box.

Inside the beauty of the Brazilian rosewood is revealed in three slotted sections. The box includes documents that speak to a part of its history, but date to the end of the 19th century and early 20th century, some 50 or so years after the box was made. The box measures 9.8" by 6.5" at the base, and stands 7.4" tall at the highest point. It has its original hinges, and lock, with a tasseled working key.

As the photos demonstrate, the condition of the box is generally pristine throughout, although at the top of the box there is a cluster of very tiny indentations in the wood that are visible when the box is held in a certain light. These are mentioned for the sake of accuracy. They do not detract in the slightest from the overall impression of what is an extraordinarily beautiful box.

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Item ID: H-000060