🕊️ 19th-Century French Gilt Bronze & Etched Crystal Jewelry Casket
Found in Paris | Circa 1850–1880
Attributed to Baccarat (unmarked)
An extraordinary example of 19th-century French luxury, this large octagonal casket is crafted with beveled and hand-etched crystal panels, housed in a richly cast gilt bronze (ormolu) frame. The crystal features elegant etched floral scrolls, birds, and a parrot motif—a hallmark of fine crystal craftsmanship of the era.
The striking architectural form is adorned with scrollwork, butterflies, rosettes, and neoclassical foliate designs, including two scrolled handles and an ornate butterfly clasp. The interior is lined in the original deep red French velvet, and the lid lifts to reveal a generous compartment for jewelry or precious keepsakes.
While unmarked, the exceptional clarity, detailed etching, and gilt bronze work are highly reminiscent of pieces made by Baccarat, who was active in producing such presentation caskets during the Second Empire and they were known to collaborate with fine Parisian bronze workshops, and many of their luxury caskets were unsigned.
This piece reflects the opulence of the Napoleon III / Second Empire period, when Baccarat crystal was among the most prized in Europe. Luxury retailers and cabinetmakers such as Tahan or Vernis Martin frequently offered caskets like this one for aristocratic clients. Such objects were typically displayed in salons or atop dressing tables as status symbols and conversation pieces.
A dazzling French jewel box—regal in scale and detail, and possibly Baccarat in origin—perfect for collectors of 19th-century French decorative arts.
🕊️ 19th-Century French Gilt Bronze & Etched Crystal Jewelry Casket
Found in Paris | Circa 1850–1880
Attributed to Baccarat (unmarked)
An extraordinary example of 19th-century French luxury, this large octagonal casket is crafted with beveled and hand-etched crystal panels, housed in a richly cast gilt bronze (ormolu) frame. The crystal features elegant etched floral scrolls, birds, and a parrot motif—a hallmark of fine crystal craftsmanship of the era.
The striking architectural form is adorned with scrollwork, butterflies, rosettes, and neoclassical foliate designs, including two scrolled handles and an ornate butterfly clasp. The interior is lined in the original deep red French velvet, and the lid lifts to reveal a generous compartment for jewelry or precious keepsakes.
While unmarked, the exceptional clarity, detailed etching, and gilt bronze work are highly reminiscent of pieces made by Baccarat, who was active in producing such presentation caskets during the Second Empire and they were known to collaborate with fine Parisian bronze workshops, and many of their luxury caskets were unsigned.
This piece reflects the opulence of the Napoleon III / Second Empire period, when Baccarat crystal was among the most prized in Europe. Luxury retailers and cabinetmakers such as Tahan or Vernis Martin frequently offered caskets like this one for aristocratic clients. Such objects were typically displayed in salons or atop dressing tables as status symbols and conversation pieces.
A dazzling French jewel box—regal in scale and detail, and possibly Baccarat in origin—perfect for collectors of 19th-century French decorative arts.