French Thuya and Brass Inlaid Serpentine Cave a Liqueur or Tantalus Box 19th Century

An Exceptionally Fine French Serpentine and brass marquetry inlaid Cave a Liqueur or Tantalus Box with mother of pearl.

French circa 1870

Primarily veneered in fine thuya wood of wonderful colour and figure, the serpentine form of this box is enhanced by cross bandings of kingwood and inlays incorporating finely cut and engraved brass, mother of pearl and kingwood. The sides of this box are also serpentine and this is an unusual feature, usually only the front is of serpentine shape and the additional time spent on this shaping emphasises the luxury nature of this piece.

The lid on the box rises and folds back and the sides fold clear of the body to reveal a removable rosewood glass stand with cast gilt bronze handle, filled with eight glasses and four decanters all finely etched with flowers and the decanters having original cut glass stoppers. The patina is the original finished that has been cleaned and waxed.

The quality of this piece is quite outstanding and would have been the height of luxury in Europe at the time. Although French in origin, English luxury retailers such as Aprey were known to retail these pieces to their clientele so it is not possible to say whether the piece was designed for the domestic or export market. The piece is of the level of quality associated with the firm of Vervelle Audot who traded from 1 Rue de Montmercy in Paris and who produced tantalus boxes of this quality for an elite Parisian client base.

Even with fine examples such as the present piece there is usually some degree of damage to the glassware and so it is wonderful that this box and its contents have survived in perfect condition having all four original decanters and stoppers. There are spare holders to the back presumable which housed further liqueur glasses.

A real collector's piece which would add a decorative accent to any fine interior.

Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London.

Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.

As proud members of BADA & LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.

Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.

All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.

We deliver within the UK for usually between £60-£80 and ship worldwide with professional bespoke crating via air to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

GOODS

All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.

Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.

VIEWINGS

We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.

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We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.