Antique French Chocolatier's Presentation Box, Glass, Paper, c. 1810 Confectioner

Antique French Chocolatier's Presentation Box, Glass and Paper, c. All items and photos are the express property of Antiques & Uncommon Treasure. No reproduction without prior written consent. We'll be sending out sale notices and special deals to our'Favorites' customers.

Chocolate or cocoa, as a substance and flavor was introduced to Europe in the 1500s, and by the 1700s, was raised to a fine art in France. So much so, in fact, that by mid-1700s, confectioners and chocolatiers were having special boxes made just for the presentation of their concoctions, bonbons, chocolate delicacies. The boxes, which always attract me, range from tiny round ones in card/glass and with recess of seed pearls, earlier 1700s, and got larger as time went on, fancier.

We've had some in finest tortoise shell, others with the maker's labels or engraved lock plate still in place - such as Boissier. This one, offered in such fine condition, is just in from France and is quite a treasure. The vendor's chalk notes remain on the papered card bottom, otherwise not defined for us, but it is a very early 1800s one in the typical cardboard, paper and glass. Yes, those outer panels are all glass (blue, red) and the old original interior still has its undamaged mirror.

Whether as a jewelry box, or a desktop box, the memory of the gift and giver, as well as the expensive confections, it was a memory kept. Often a gift, such a presentation helps us understand how elevated was the experience of early candies, chocolates. Measurements noted on our photos.

Very good to excellent condition throughout for age and type. An exceptional example, incorporating curved glass side panels on that lid, a bit of Egyptian coffret form to the style. Entirely handmade, cottage industries around France, primarily Paris, designed and built these, layering with embossed foil borders and trim. Often including litho prints like the one on the top of this box. Even the thin yellow silk side ribbons remain - it displays so beautifully, open or closed.

There are a few of the paper sticker trim parts which are not complete, but far more than most of these. No breaks or chips or cracks to any of the glass panels, which is quite amazing.

With so much glass, this one is surprisingly heavy. A superb 200+ year old box for your collection. We're easy to deal with. Our fine inventory is very important. And your ranking of our performance is also very important! We wish to keep our 4.9 - 5 star ratings in all categories. We always insure our items BUT, more importantly, pack them extremely well knowing that most are not replaceable. Please remember that when leaving DSR ratings. Icon here or above to see more of our inventory, offerings and venues. We have a HUGE assortment of the finest antiques to be found online, all at your fingertips with Antiques & Uncommon Treasure. _gsrx_vers_631 GS 6.9.8b6 (631).

This item is in the category "Collectibles\Decorative Collectibles\Other Decorative Collectibles". The seller is "antiquesuncommontreasure" and is located in this country: US.

This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Style: French
• Age: 1800-1849
• Material: Glass
• Original/Reproduction: Original
• Color: Blue
• Country/Region of Origin: France

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