ANTIQUE FRENCH GILT BRONZE ORMOLU JEWEL CASKET DRESSER BOX LIMOGES ENAMEL PORTRAIT 19th Century c. 1860-1880’s
approx 3” x 1”H
Stunning 3rd quarter of the 19th century bronze ormolu dresser / jewelry casket.
The box holds a kiln-fired enamel on copper Limoges plaque featuring a pre-Raphaelite maiden with foil accents. She is identified as “Beryl” by a label on the back of the plaque.
The plaque was a bit off-center so I checked and found that there were numerous extra tabs to hold the plaque in place. I therefore felt comfortable to remove the plaque to re-position it without fear of breaking the tabs since there were so many others available.
The plaque is perfect with no chips or cracks. It is unsigned.
Original green velvet lining is present and in great shape.
The gilding on the bronze is original and remains bright with minimal oxidation. The images follow the box around. Tiny amounts of verdigris in the crevices. The bottom of the box shows shelf wear.
Luxury jewel boxes such as this were sold in the elite shops of the Palais Royal in Paris and were a favorite souvenir to bring home from the requisite Grand Tour trip of the rich and upperclass privileged in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The bottom is not marked FRANCE or MADE IN FRANCE, so it probably predates The McKinley Tariff Act of 1890 which required country of origin labeling on all imports into the US.
A very nice example of its genre and will make a great addition to your collection.