Box (2) - Gilt bronze - Jewelry box

2 gilded Napoleon III boxes – hand-painted miniature signed Guérou – France, late 19th century

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Detailed description.

Oval box of superior quality, crafted in finely chased gilt bronze, dating from the late 19th century (Napoleon III period).

The lid is ornamented with an amber-brown varnished panel, centered by a hand-painted miniature signed 'Guérou', depicting an 18th-century-inspired gallant scene.
The painting is distinguished by the fineness of the line, the balance of the composition, and a soft and nuanced palette—characteristics of the work of Parisian decorative miniaturists active in the last quarter of the 19th century, who specialized in works destined for luxury objects (boxes, powder boxes, dressing sets).

The Guérou signature, placed directly on the miniature, attests to the work of an identified artist, and not to anonymous or mass-produced production, which constitutes a real asset.

The interior is entirely lined with red velvet, presumably original, well preserved.
The zipper is functional and well-fitted.
The background is also gilded bronze.

The substantial weight of 326 g, considering the dimensions, confirms a gilded bronze construction rather than brass, reflecting careful and durable workmanship.


Features
•Artist / signature: Guérou (signature visible on the miniature)

Origin: France
Materials: gilded bronze, varnish, miniature painting, velvet
Dimensions: approx. 13 × 9.5 × 4 cm
Weight: 326 g
Condition status
Very good overall condition
Gilding in good condition with light wear consistent with age.
Intact miniature, with no lifting or visible restorations.
Clean velvet, showing light signs of wear.

Photographs are an integral part of the description and allow one to accurately assess the condition, the engraving details, the signed miniature, as well as the overall quality of the object.

2. Antique box in bronze or gilded brass and synthetic material – Hand-painted miniature

France, late 19th century – early 20th century

Dimensions: approx. 15 × 9 cm

Elegant antique hexagonal box, dating from the late 19th century or the very early 20th century, pairing a mount in bronze or brass finely gilded and engraved, and a plaque in an old synthetic material (galalith-type or early resin—I’m not really sure what it is)

The lid is adorned in its center with a hand-painted miniature, depicting a delicate female portrait in an 18th-century style, protected by a glass bezel.

The mounting features a rich foliate and ribbon decoration, with twisted friezes and finely worked floral motifs, characteristic of the Napoléon III / Belle Époque period.

The interior is lined with its original burgundy velvet, and the piece retains its antique components (hinges, clasp), in keeping with the period of manufacture.

Condition: very good overall condition, antique patina, slight signs of wear, miniature well preserved.

Photographs are an integral part of the description.