eBay

Here is a rare French bon bon candy box of the early 19th Century and the design under the domed glass top is very typical of the French Napoleonic Prisoners of War made diorama's as you find on Masonic Jewels of the period and brooches etc.

The box is circular and made from cardboard and has a glass dome on the lid.

Inside the dome are miniature pieces of decoration that have been hand applied to another bit of glass which is under the main domed top glass.

This includes an initial N right at the top, a Bicorne style hat in the centre with crossed swords through it.

The words Le Petit Chapeau or The Little Hat are written underneath.

Of course it does not take much working out this is a souvenir reminder of Napoleon but made during the period.

At sometime in the past it looks like someone has tried to repair the miniature pieces by gluing them back down and unfortunately, the glue has gone all bubbly and is very visible. This can be seen at the left hand side as you look at the diorama on the Sword handle and the two crossed steel pins below. The glue has gone brown and bubbled over the years. Someone with a steady hand and a fine blade could take these bits apart and remove the glue and restore it properly.

Be assured this is a French candy bon bon box of the period c1810 and not a modern later item.

No maker's marks etc.

In collectable condition with normal signs of age and use wear. As mentioned, there is a lot of glue showing. There is also some damage to the card box including some pencil scribbling on the inner base. The lid is a fairly loose fit on the base.

Please see pictures for more details and visual confirmation of condition.

A very nice Napoleonic period item if you happen to collect this period. I very much doubt many of these survive.

It measures approx. 3 and 1/8 inches in diameter and approx. 1 and 1/4 inches tall.

My stock ref: snuff / trinket box shelf.

To see ALL my other 6000+ items for sale: please click on the VISIT SHOP or click "see other items", strangely both only have a limited view of what I have to offer on each platform so to see everything click on Shop by Category which will give you a much better view.

Scale is usually an English 1 penny coin which is 20mm in diameter which is just short of 7/8ths of an inch in diameter, or a universal Coke can, and we all know how big those are.

MY TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

If you see A/F = a/f in the title or description it means "as found" condition which may have scuffs, scratches and damage.

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Shipping to European countries: I have taken the decision to KNOCK ALL SALES TO EUROPE ON THE HEAD from today 12/11/21 due to me getting increasing numbers of items being stuck in CUSTOMS for weeks and months at the various countries namely Italy - France - Spain - Germany - Netherlands. Since the UK left the EU some countries have penalised their people by adding the customs duty ( IOSS and tariff codes ) and by holding onto packages for up to 6 months ( Italian buyer also telling me he paid customs when buying and his postal service wanted the same amount again before the item is delivered.. this is WRONG ! ) all this having a knock-on effect on me as the sender. I have got more "WHERE IS MY ITEM" disputes recently and the amount of items that eventually turn up is shocking. All this is out of my control so I will NOT be selling to buyers in certain EU countries, to save myself and buyers headaches and money in the long run. If you are a buyer from Europe and you do NOT mind waiting longer for your items, for customs and the postal services to get their finger out and deliver your items then please message me and I will happily sell you an item, on the proviso you don't hold me responsible for the incompetence of your own government departments.

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