This is a very Large Antique French VERVELLE Inlaid Ebonized Desk Box c1850. Unusually large for a Desk box. Gorgeous inlay and finishes throughout. Drop front for ease of access to papers and desk supplies. Original key is present and functioning as it should. Overall good condition but this piece has had some repairs. Parts of the inlay on the top have been lost over time and the voids were professionally filled and smoothed. Looking at the box from 5' away its hardly noticeable unless you are looking for it. Up close (see pics) its clearly visible. Undamaged this is an $8000. box. Obviously we have priced it with the repairs in mind. This is a wonderful box you will love! The overall dimensions are 15 1/2" long by 12" wide by 7" high.

Bio: The firm of Maison Vervelle was established in 1804 by Jean-Francois Vervelle who exhibited at the 1827 and 1844 Expositions and also at the 1855 Paris Exposition Universelle. Henry Audot took over the company in 1856 and by 1866 it was known as H. Audot, Dallongeville, working at 1 rue Neuve-Montmorency in Paris. The firm was renowned for making small luxury items and d'ebenisterie de goût et de fantasie. Literature: D. Ledoux-Lebard, Les ébénistes du XIXe siècle 1795-1889 leurs uvres et leurs marques, les éditions de l'amateur, Paris, 1965.