Mailbox, Tahan In Paris, Napoleon III Period.

Elegant rectangular box with softened angles, made of rosewood veneer, joined in a diamond point on the top, enhanced with a fine frame of gilt bronze beads. The whole rests on four gilt bronze feet with vegetal decoration. The lid, decorated with a longitudinal slit, indicates that this box was intended to receive mail, tickets or dispatches - it is therefore a correspondence box, also called a dispatch box, typical of elegant interiors under the Second Empire. A central medallion in painted porcelain, with a sky blue background, framed in rocaille gilt bronze, represents a rich bouquet of polychrome flowers. The interior, lined with its original moiré fabric (in used condition), opens with a lock signed "TAHAN à Paris", famous tabletterie house and official supplier to Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie. The quality of manufacture, the refinement of the materials and the prestigious signature place this box among the most sought-after Parisian productions of the 19th century. Dimensions: Width: 28.5 cm Depth: 20.5 cm Height: 13.5 cm Condition: Very good general condition. Veneer perfectly preserved, luminous varnish. Porcelain intact. Interior fabric stained but original. Key present, working lock.