LARGE Antique French Jewelry Display Casket Beveled Glass Gilt Brass 19thC Heavy For Sale

Substantial late 19th-century display casket likely French. Thick beveled and engraved glass panels held in an ornate gilt brass-alloy frame. Wheel / hand engraved glass on inner faces: bird in flight surrounded by grape leaves and berries, curling tendrils and vine motif that carries through all 5 glass panels. Cast foliate scroll feet and closely patterned metal friezes give the long, low form an architectural finish. The form does actually pop up from time to time, this one being one of the more elaborate executions of it.

The hinged lid opens to a deep red, button-tufted silk cushion that still has strong color. This style of box is technicall a glove box (boîte à gants) or coffret à gants, and also works as a jewelry casket, presentation box, or tabletop display case.

The metal has mellowed from its original gilt color into a varied old patina, while the interior and underside retain more visible gold tone. No maker's mark was found. The French love their microscopic marks so it might have a partial one or location covertly placed. Overall size including feet is approximately 11.5" long x 4.75" front to back x 5" high; the case itself is approximately 11" long. The interior comfortably accommodates an item approximately 10" x 3.5" x 1.5".

• The box presents well, sits level without rocking, and closes squarely. The latch is sound. The lid glass is secure, while the side panels have a very slight amount of movement in their mounts that does not change when the lid is opened.
• Two small glass chips are present: one at the lower left inner edge of the front panel when viewed head-on, and one near the upper outer edge of the right end panel. Both are partly sheltered by the frame and are shown in the close-up photos. The glass also has light surface scratches consistent with age, with no deep scratches noted.
• The lid's stops are present but do not currently engage the frame, allowing it to open beyond its intended angle. Shown, but keep in mind should be supported during future use.
• The gilt brass-alloy mount has age-related wear, darkening, localized verdigris in tight recesses, and minor irregularity in its hand-joined construction. Current color is a deep bronze. The solid metal base is fixed in place; wear and slight bending are visible from underneath but do not affect display.
• The silk cushion is free of rips, with modest age-related discoloration and wear to some of the tufting buttons. The piece has been surface cleaned, with no polishing or restoration. Trace of dust remains in a few corners around the glass retainers and to a degree, inside as well.

This piece will be wrapped in archival tissue, with the interior supported, then protected with heavy-duty foam and packed in an oversized reinforced box for safe travel. Ships by FedEx Ground, typically within 1 business day. Rates to Alaska and Hawaii differ from the continental US; please message for a quote. International shipping is available through 's Global Shipping Program.

The French term boîte à gants literally means “box for gloves.” In the 19th century, glove boxes were typically long and narrow, distinct from the square boxes made for handkerchiefs. Many were wooden; this glass-sided example displays its etched decoration and silk cushion beautifully on its own, while also providing a place for jewelry or other small keepsakes.