18th-century Secret Box Dated 1751, 18th-century Alpine Folk Art

An interesting softwood box, carved and engraved with a dotted pattern on all four sides; the front features two crowned coats of arms flanked by foliage, displaying the initials “S C” on the left and the date of manufacture, 1751, on the right.
The sides feature a combination of hearts and blooming flowers, all supported by a frame with exposed dovetail joints engraved with small stars.
The lid opens without a key by pressing a mechanical push button and reveals a main compartment with a small side compartment that has retained its hinged flap lid (slight natural play with the partition).

Alpine region, mid-18th century.
`Dimensions: length 25 cm - depth 17.5 cm - height 10 cm.

In good condition, with no modern restorations, and a superb, deep patina. Note that a few nails show signs of fragility beneath the base.