Box - Wood, Brass - Boulle marquetry

Old Napoléon III Matchbox - Boulle Inlay Tortoiseshell & Brass

Item description

Rare and elegant nineteenth-century matchbox (match safe) in Napoléon III style.

This beautiful display piece testifies to the refinement of smokers' accessories of the era. It features a superb Boulle-style marquetry on its lid, composed of finely cut brass fillets inlaid on a red-tinted tortoiseshell background.

• Exterior details:
The center of the lid features a medallion with an interlaced monogram. The edges are highlighted by a chased border in gilded bronze or brass.

• Functionality:
The box opens to a blackened wooden compartment. The base is equipped with its original striker (red rough surface) for striking the matches.

• Condition:
Good overall condition for an object of this age. Presence of authentic patina and minor signs of use that add to its charm. Small losses of brass and wood (See photos for details).