{"product_id":"antique-french-napoleon-iii-leather-perfume-casket-with-pair-of-gilt-scent-bottles","title":"Antique French Napoleon III Leather Perfume Casket with Pair of Gilt Scent Bottles","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn exceptional 19th-century French perfume or scent casket, retaining its original fitted pair of cut and molded glass flacons within a richly appointed burgundy leather case.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe exterior is covered in deep oxblood-red leather with a domed, cushion-form lid and ornate gilt-metal trim. The casket stands on four elaborate gilt-bronze foliate feet and is fitted with a decorative rocaille-style escutcheon to the front. A narrow metal border of repeating floral ornament frames the raised panel on the lid.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOpening the casket reveals a striking crimson velvet-lined interior, surrounded by black and gold scrolling decoration reminiscent of Boulle-inspired ornament. Two matching rectangular glass scent bottles sit neatly within their original fitted compartments.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach bottle is particularly fine, with beveled corners, a broad shoulder, and a substantial faceted glass stopper. Applied to the front of each bottle is a gilt-metal plaque depicting a winged horse, or Pegasus, in relief. One bottle retains a small plaque inscribed “ROSE,” indicating the fragrance it originally contained. The second was presumably intended for another perfume or floral essence.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe faceted stoppers are additionally decorated with gilt motifs corresponding to the ornament of the case, tying the entire ensemble together.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is not simply a decorative box with later bottles added—the dimensions, matching bottles, fitted velvet compartments, and coordinated gilt ornament strongly indicate that the ensemble was conceived and sold as a complete luxury perfume nécessaire.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEra\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrench, mid-19th century, circa 1850–1870\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe fitted leather casket, velvet interior, elaborate gilt-bronze feet, black-and-gold ornamental borders, and richly mounted scent bottles are particularly consistent with luxury French goods of the Second Empire \/ Napoleon III period.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistory\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerfume played an important role in fashionable French toilette culture during the 19th century, and luxurious scent bottles were frequently presented in fitted cases intended for the boudoir or dressing table.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMore elaborate examples were sold as part of nécessaires de toilette, combining finely cut glass with gilt bronze, leather, silk, velvet, and decorative metalwork. Parisian luxury retailers specialized in these highly finished personal accessories, which could be purchased individually or as coordinated sets.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe imagery of Pegasus on the bottle mounts is especially striking. Classical and mythological motifs remained fashionable throughout the 19th century and were frequently incorporated into French luxury decorative arts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe presence of the surviving “ROSE” fragrance plaque is a particularly charming detail and provides direct evidence of the bottle’s original use.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrance; sourced in France\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterials\u003cbr\u003eMolded and beveled glass scent bottles\u003cbr\u003eFaceted glass stoppers\u003cbr\u003eGilt bronze \/ gilt brass mounts\u003cbr\u003eLeather-covered fitted casket\u003cbr\u003eCrimson velvet interior\u003cbr\u003eWood structural core\u003cbr\u003eDecorative gilt-metal hardware\u003cbr\u003eDimensions\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions to be added\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor the listing I would record:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall casket height × width × depth\u003cbr\u003eHeight of each bottle including stopper\u003cbr\u003eBottle width and depth\u003cbr\u003eCondition\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGood antique condition with wear consistent with approximately 150+ years of age.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe burgundy leather exterior shows expected surface cracking, rubbing, discoloration, scattered losses, and areas of wear, particularly along the lid and edges. The decorative metal trim and feet retain an attractive aged gilt surface with oxidation, darkening, and rubbing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe crimson velvet interior remains present and shows expected fading, dust, wear, and compression from age and use.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBoth glass bottles and their original faceted stoppers appear to survive. The glass shows minor scratches and manufacturing irregularities consistent with age. Gilt decoration exhibits areas of rubbing and loss.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe case opens and closes, although the original key is not shown and should be considered absent unless otherwise noted.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlease review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDisclaimers\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe set is identified as a French perfume \/ scent casket based on its fitted construction, fragrance inscription, and surviving scent bottles.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe precise retailer or manufacturer has not been established. Although the workmanship is consistent with luxury Parisian toilette goods sometimes associated with Palais-Royal-type wares, I would not market it as Palais Royal without a maker’s mark, retailer label, or documentary comparison.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe metal mounts are described as gilt bronze and\/or gilt brass based on appearance; no metal assay has been performed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs with all antique objects, age-related wear, previous restoration, surface variation, and minor losses should be expected.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49259649663231,"sku":null,"price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/F7E6C285-E2FA-44A3-B8E8-9C714096043A.png?v=1789916668","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/products\/antique-french-napoleon-iii-leather-perfume-casket-with-pair-of-gilt-scent-bottles","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}