Secret System Box With Painting Under Glass – France, Consulate Period

1799–1804.

A rare round pocket box with a hinged lid, made of dark green-stained pressed horn, characteristic of French production at the turn of the 19th century. The molded decorations display remarkable precision in their execution, both on the lid and on the body and base of the box.

The lid is adorned with a white grisaille under-glass painting on a deep red background depicting two female figures draped in the classical style placing a garland on an altar. This composition, inspired by the neoclassical repertoire, is protected by its original domed glass and encircled by an elegant beaded border of gilded metal. The absence of a hallmark complies with the regulations of the time, as the weight of this setting is below the legal threshold for hallmarking.

The box consists of three distinct parts: the lid, the main body, and a secret, unscrewable bottom that forms a hidden compartment designed to hold a note, a lock of hair, or any other precious memento. The secret compartment is lined with blue moiré silk framed by a second gold-plated metal band. The main interior is lined with tortoiseshell.

A slight old repair is visible on a small portion of the rim, but it does not affect the appearance. The piece is entirely original, the mechanism is fully functional, and it is in very good condition.