French Burr Walnut Pocket Watch Presentation Case by Idrac-Le Roy, Paris
French Burr Walnut Pocket Watch Presentation Case by Idrac-Le Roy, Paris
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Additional Description: A refined and elegant French burr walnut pocket watch presentation case, featuring richly figured veneer with warm, swirling grain and a polished finish. The lid is centered with a delicate shield-form cartouche (likely bone or ivory), traditionally intended for a monogram, adding a personal and distinguished touch.
The interior opens to reveal its original silk-lined lid, stamped in gilt:
“IDRAC-LE ROY, 22 Rue du Bouloi, Paris”—a noted Parisian luxury retailer specializing in fine presentation pieces and small objets de vertu during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The base is lined in dark velvet and retains its original recessed form, which would have originally held a fitted cushion insert (now absent) designed to cradle a gentleman’s pocket watch. The proportions, construction, and retailer stamp all strongly support its use as a watch presentation case, likely sold alongside a fine timepiece in Paris.
Its understated exterior and high-quality materials reflect the refined taste of French decorative arts from the period, making it equally desirable today as a display box for a watch or as a decorative object for a dressing table or cabinet.
Era: Late 19th to early 20th century (circa 1890–1920)
History: Parisian retailers such as Idrac-Le Roy catered to a clientele seeking luxury goods, including watches, jewelry, and presentation items. These cases were designed to accompany fine timepieces, enhancing their presentation and protecting them when not in use. Burr walnut was especially favored for its decorative qualities and association with refined craftsmanship.
Provenance: France
Materials: Burr walnut veneer, wood substrate, brass fittings, silk and velvet interior, bone/ivory cartouche
Dimensions: TBD
Disclaimers: Wear consistent with age including light surface scratches, minor veneer wear, and interior fabric wear; original fitted cushion insert is no longer present; no key included; cartouche remains unengraved
Additional Description: A refined and elegant French burr walnut pocket watch presentation case, featuring richly figured veneer with warm, swirling grain and a polished finish. The lid is centered with a delicate shield-form cartouche (likely bone or ivory), traditionally intended for a monogram, adding a personal and distinguished touch.
The interior opens to reveal its original silk-lined lid, stamped in gilt:
“IDRAC-LE ROY, 22 Rue du Bouloi, Paris”—a noted Parisian luxury retailer specializing in fine presentation pieces and small objets de vertu during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The base is lined in dark velvet and retains its original recessed form, which would have originally held a fitted cushion insert (now absent) designed to cradle a gentleman’s pocket watch. The proportions, construction, and retailer stamp all strongly support its use as a watch presentation case, likely sold alongside a fine timepiece in Paris.
Its understated exterior and high-quality materials reflect the refined taste of French decorative arts from the period, making it equally desirable today as a display box for a watch or as a decorative object for a dressing table or cabinet.
Era: Late 19th to early 20th century (circa 1890–1920)
History: Parisian retailers such as Idrac-Le Roy catered to a clientele seeking luxury goods, including watches, jewelry, and presentation items. These cases were designed to accompany fine timepieces, enhancing their presentation and protecting them when not in use. Burr walnut was especially favored for its decorative qualities and association with refined craftsmanship.
Provenance: France
Materials: Burr walnut veneer, wood substrate, brass fittings, silk and velvet interior, bone/ivory cartouche
Dimensions: TBD
Disclaimers: Wear consistent with age including light surface scratches, minor veneer wear, and interior fabric wear; original fitted cushion insert is no longer present; no key included; cartouche remains unengraved