Rare and finely crafted pair of vintage portrait matchbox holders featuring detailed miniatures of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress Josephine. Each holder is made of burgundy leather casing with gilt border accents and inset porcelain portrait plaques. The portraits exhibit remarkable detail and depth of color, rendered in the hand-painted or transfer-enamel style commonly used on European portrait miniatures.

Pieces such as these were produced in France, Italy, and Austria during the early- to mid-20th century for collectors of Napoleonic memorabilia, often sold through museum gift collections or fine tobacconists. They remain highly sought for their craftsmanship and historical association with the Napoleonic era.

Details:

Subjects: Napoleon Bonaparte & Empress Josephine

Quantity: 2 matchbox covers (matching pair)

Size: approx. 2.25" × 1.75" × 0.75" each

Materials: Porcelain or enamel portrait inserts on leather matchbook holders.

Origin: Likely French or Italian

Era: Circa 1940s–1960s (vintage)

Condition: Very good — minor edge wear consistent with age; portraits crisp and undamaged. Napoleon book has slight damage on back (see photos).  Each holder has a spot to insert a matchbook.  One cover has some color missing to the leather back. (see photos)