Jewellery box - Tin - Napoleon III Gift Box

HISTORICAL SOUVENIR OF THE NAPOLEONIC EPIC EXCEPTIONAL JEWEL-BOX MEDICINE-DARING PORTABLE CHEST WITH THE SEVEN IMPERIAL EAGLES Era: Late 19th century, Napoleonic III period (Neo-Empire style) Material: Cast and chased pewter, with a natural patina of “antique silver” Dimensions: Width: 7.4 cm Height: 5.0 cm Depth: 4.2 cm Description: Rare and curious pocket or display box in the shape of a bombé miniature chest or safe, topped with a movable gripping handle. Cover: At its center, a prominent high-relief medallion depicting the profile of Emperor Napoleon I in full dress, wearing his famous battle bicorne hat. The bust is flanked and crowned by an exceptional sequence of seven heraldic imperial eagles, wings spread wide. Body of the box: Front decorated with two additional imperial eagles, bringing the total count to seven eagles on the piece as a whole. The front face and the two sides receive an extensive attached ornamentation of stylized vegetative metalwork inspired by medieval motifs (scrollwork and acanthus leaves), typical of the Troubadour taste. Interior: Plain, unfinished pewter, without fittings. Original functional hinge at the rear. Condition: Superb freshness. The item is in its strict discovery state, having undergone no restoration or abrasive cleaning. Original patina perfectly preserved, reliefs clear and unworn. Expert’s Note: Napoleonic display pieces from the 19th century most often adopt simple geometric shapes (flat snuff boxes, medallions). This model, shaped like a medieval chest, combines Imperial military iconography with medieval vegetal décor and represents a highly rare composite design. The accumulation of seven imperial eagles on an object of this size makes it a true piece of mastery and curiosity, highly sought after by militaria and folk-art collectors. Provenance: Private collection, France. Inédit on the market, unpublished piece kept by descendants. Unprecedented on the market An Authenticity Certificate will be provided to the buyer. Shipped insured and secure Express delivery within 24h by FedEx - Chronopost - DHL - UPS. Shipment only within Europe. Appropriate protective packaging.

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