A wonderful naive carved boxwood spectacle case, dating to circa 1804. This finely carved case is likely to commemorate the coronation of Napoleon in 1804, with one side carved depicting a portrait of Napoleon wearing a laurel wreath crown, the lower half carved with a cockade and two crossed palm leaves, a symbol of victory, triumph, peace and eternal life. The other side of the case is carved with a crown held by two birds and the lower half an urn with further palm leaves and foliage. Both sides have an intricately carved border edge and the central opening edge is embellished with a fine silver gilt mount. The case is of a size to hold a pair of folding spectacles.
Dimensions:
Length: 11.2cm. Width: 4.1cm. Depth: 2cm.
Condition:
One edge has a split approx 28mm long (see last photo). Further age-related splits that are very faint and hard to notice are on the front right side within the border detail and another in the centre of the crown side. These are only visible under close inspection and I believe a natural occurrence with the age of the wood. The inner section of the case has a chip and two further splits. The piece is structurally solid and is in otherwise good condition. Please examine photos carefully.
Postage:
Calculated at checkout.
Item will be sent tracked and signed-for.
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