Cigar box - Wood, Brass - Old humidor

Napoleon III Humidor – Fine Inlay & Security Lock "2 Levers" – 19th Century - Chinese Chinoiserie Pyrography Box

Magnificent Napoleon III period cigar humidor (late 19th century) in precious wood with refined marquetry work. The lid features a central medallion depicting a classical musical scene (harpsichord player) surrounded by contrasting borders.

The interior is equipped with its hygrometer and contains an old matches case (pyrogene) with a Chinese-inspired chinoiserie decoration and a striker.

Important technical detail on the lock:

The case retains its original lock plate engraved "SÉCURITÉ 2 LEVIERS", a mark of high manufacturing quality. A key is supplied but may not be original. The key turns and engages the internal mechanism, but the box does not fully lock (an adjustment or inspection by a specialist may be necessary).
The hygrometer should be serviced.

The object remains in its original patina with some wear marks on the lid lacquer, attesting to its authenticity. The underside is protected by green felt.

Although this box bears no apparent signature, the finesse of its inlay and the use of a precision two-lever lock strongly suggest manufacture in the great Parisian marquetry workshops of the late 19th century. The style and quality of execution are characteristic of productions by prestigious houses such as Tahan (Supplier to the Emperor) or Vervelle.

It is possible that a maker's mark or cabinetmaker’s stamp is concealed under the protective felt placed beneath the box. However, out of respect for the object's integrity and to preserve its historic patina, we deliberately chose to leave this protection as is, without attempting to remove it. The presence of high-security components (the "SÉCURITÉ 2 LEVIERS" designation) nonetheless attests to a object of high quality from the Napoleon III era.