Box - Wood

Jewelry box / Inlaid wood vanity set, early 19th century, authentic mercure.

This is a very beautiful box of the coffer-type, probably intended to be a jewelry box or a sewing kit (necessaire), dating from the early 19th century (Empire / Restoration period, around 1810-1840).
Exterior Features
* Material and Style: Rectangular wooden box in dark wood (walnut or mahogany), with a simple, understated structure.
* Decoration: The lid features a fine central light wood marquetry floral inlay, framed by slim borders.
* Dimensions and Weight: Length: 24 cm; Width: 16.5 cm; Height: 9.5 cm; Weight: 685 g.
* Overall Condition: The box is uncracked and retains good structural solidity despite some typical signs of wear.
* Particularities:
* Lock: The box has a lock on the front. The key is missing, and the locking mechanism simply engages without being locked. A small chip of wood is visible on the front at the level of the lock entrance.
* Back: The back shows a crack that does not affect the overall solidity of the object.
Interior Features
* Lining: The interior is lined with geometrically lozenged paper in green and brown/black, characteristic of the first half of the 19th century.
* Interior Wear: The paper shows a wide darkened, cracked area at the bottom, likely due to splashes (possibly perfume, given the probable use of the box). The paper is also slightly bowed near the inner lock.
* Mirror: The lid is fitted with a mirror whose backing is heavily speckled. It is a mercury amalgam mirror, reinforcing the early dating of the object. A fragment of printed paper (newspaper) is visible under the backing, serving as a spacer.
In brief: An authentic French box from the early 19th century, highly representative of its era in style and materials. It is in good overall condition, with signs of use and history that add charm and confirm its age.