French Napoleon III Ebonized Tea Caddy with Mother of Pearl and Brass Inlay, Circa 1870
French Napoleon III Ebonized Tea Caddy with Mother of Pearl and Brass Inlay, Circa 1870
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A French Napoleon III tea caddy in ebonized wood, the canted top densely inlaid with mother of pearl and brass florets framed by brass stringing. Brass lines run every panel of the case as well. Inside, twin tin-lined compartments retain their original wood lids with turned knobs, and the lock turns smoothly with the original key. I brought this one back from a recent buying trip in Belgium.
Good antique condition with honest age-appropriate wear. The ebonized surface retains a deep, even finish. The brass stringing and edge banding are fully intact across the case with no lifting or loss. The mother of pearl inlay on the top is complete with no missing dots or florets. The working lock turns smoothly with the original key supplied. The lid does not sit fully flush with the case: the right side is bowed slightly upward, leaving a small gap along that edge when closed. This is a structural quirk consistent with age and the natural movement of wood over time, and does not affect the function of the lock or the integrity of the piece. The interior tin linings show oxidation and patina consistent with age. The interior side walls have lost most of their original paper or fabric covering, with only remnants visible against the bare wood. The hinges are tight.
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All antique and vintage items are shipped from our warehouse in Bluffdale, Utah. Each piece is carefully packed by hand using archival materials and custom crating when necessary.
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Every antique and vintage item we carry has lived a life before arriving in your home. These are not factory-made products. They are objects with history, character, and the marks of time.
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