An unusual and rather architectural little casket, this French antique jewel box sourced in Paris breaks from the typical square or rectangular form in favor of a striking triangular, spear-topped silhouette. Thick beveled glass panels meet at sharp gilt-brass edges, each one trimmed in delicate crimped ormolu, giving the whole piece the look of a tiny glass tent or reliquary.
The hinged lid opens on a smooth brass hinge to reveal a plush tufted velvet interior in a soft dove-grey, buttoned in the traditional style, with the fabric showing gentle wear consistent with its age. The base is banded in finely engraved brass scrollwork, and the piece stands on four sculptural claw-and-scroll feet - one shows spotting/oxidation typical of old brass left untouched. A brass ring at the crown of the lid suggests this could also have been suspended or displayed as a hanging piece, echoing the watch-stand style caskets of the same period.
Good antique condition - no cracks or chips to the glass, natural tarnishing to the brass, expected softening and wear to the velvet lining.
