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Up for sale is an exceptional, grand-scale authentic French Napoleon III era woman's vanity dressing table box dating to the late 19th century (circa 1870-1880).
This stunning statement piece features a classic ebonized finish beautifully framed by ornate, deeply molded gilt gesso borders.
The lid showcases a striking oval dark green panel featuring an exquisite, three-dimensional raised gesso basket overflowing with a hand-painted floral bouquet.
The front face features a matching long horizontal floral frieze panel, balancing the entire presentation composition perfectly.
The extraordinarily spacious flat interior is lined in its original, vibrant rose-pink padded velvet. Unlike most textile linings from this era, it has remained incredibly clean, plush, and well-preserved.
This grand scale was designed to store fine vanity items, silk fans, lace, or family jewelry suites perfectly flat and uncreased.
Dimensions:
Length: 19.5 inches
Width: 10 inches
Height: 3.5 inches
Condition Report:
This antique piece is in good, honest antique condition with a gorgeous, authentic patina.
Exterior Wood & Gilding: Shows minor, age-appropriate surface wear, fine crazing, and small chips to the ebonized finish and gilt gesso trim on the corners (please review all close-up photos).
Relief Accents: The raised gesso reliefs retain remarkable detail and structural integrity, showing only minor, expected surface wear and faint paint thinning consistent with age, without any major structural loss to the delicate floral elements.
Interior Velvet: The plush pink velvet lining is exceptionally well-preserved with no major tears or heavy staining.
Hardware/Opening Mechanism: This piece was manufactured without a native locking mechanism or keyhole. The current opening setup features a charming, non-original modification consisting of an attached decorative button fastened with cordage and a safety pin clip on the inner lining to assist in lifting the lid.
The underside of the box has been neatly fitted with protective green felt to safeguard your tabletop surfaces from scratches.
Please review all high-resolution photos carefully as they serve as the primary description of the item's condition. Shipped securely packed and fully insured.
