French Casket Necessaire Vanity Chest by L. Dujat Palais Royal

This is a fine and well fitted ebonised Gonçalo Alves Palais Royal travel necessaire / vanity chest, by Maison Smal L. Dujat – Palais Royal 7 (Paris), circa 1850 in date. This superb vanity chest was made by L. Dujat, one of the artisans who had a workshop in the Paris street where the artisans of the Royal Palace worked, and his products were commissioned by the Court that resided in the now extinct Palais Royal. The box features inlaid gilt banding and brass bound edges, the hinged cover opens to reveal a removable mirror, the interior with fitted silver plate mounted faceted glass jars, the lids engraved with foliate scroll decoration, the jars of square, circular, oval and rectangular form each sitting in shaped blue velvet recesses. The front with brass fittings, the tops of the doors are inscribed with details of the retailer ‘MAISON SMAL L. DUJAT Sr Bte SGDG PALAIS-ROYAL 7’, The number 7 is for the 7th arrondissement of Paris, which is today perhaps the most expensive area to live in Paris, the Eiffel Tower, one of the most famous tourist sites in the world, is located here, as well as many government buildings, ministries, the National Assembly and others. Many dignitaries and VIPs today prefer to live in this arrondissement. The doors open to reveal three trays with beautiful brass inset handles that have superb engraved foliate decoration. The top one with a fitted blue velvet tray with manicure and other tools, to include a file, penknife, scissors, button hook, corkscrew, pen, etc, . The middle tray with shaped storage boxes of varying form, one tin lined , the bottom one velvet lined for jewellery. Complete with working lock and original key. It is a lovely piece which apart from its functionality is also a decorative one. Condition: In really excellent condition. As an antique items, the chest show very minor signs of use commensurate with age, these minor condition issues are mentioned for accuracy and, as seen in the accompanying photographs, the chest displays beautifully. Dimensions in cm: Height 20 x Width 35 x Depth 27