Box - Wood

Jewelry box / Marquetry wood dressing set from the early 19th century, authentic mercury.

This is a very beautiful box in a case-like form, probably intended as a jewelry box or a sewing set (necessaire), dating from the early 19th century (Empire / Restoration period, around 1810-1840).
External Features
* Material and Style: Rectangular dark wood box (walnut or mahogany) with a simple, understated structure.
* Decoration: The lid features a delicate central light wood floral marquetry, framed by narrow inlays.
* Dimensions and Weight: Length: 24 cm; Width: 16.5 cm; Height: 9.5 cm; Weight: 685 g.
* Overall Condition: The box is unmottled and retains good structural solidity despite some typical signs of use.
* Particularities:
* Lock: The box has a lock on the front. The key is missing, and the locking mechanism simply slides in without being locked. A small missing piece of wood is visible on the front at the lock entry.
* Back: The back shows a crack, which does not affect the overall solidity of the object.
Interior Features
* Lining: The interior is lined with patterned geometric green and brown/black diamond-shaped paper, characteristic of the first half of the 19th century.
* Interior wear: The paper shows a large darkened and cracked area at the bottom, likely due to splashes (possibly perfume, given the probable use of the box). The paper is also slightly bent near the inner lock.
* Mirror: The lid is fitted with a mirror whose backing is heavily speckled. It is a mercurial amalgam mirror, reinforcing the object's early dating. A fragment of printed paper (newspaper) is visible beneath the backing, serving as a spacer.
In short: An authentic French box from the early 19th century, very representative of its era in style and materials. It is in good overall condition, with signs of handling and history that add charm and attest to its antiquity.