Thought of as Palais Royal, and perhaps initially marketed from the luxurious boutiques flanking the gardens of the old Cardinale Richelieu Palace, this one is particularly special. The top 2 makers of necessaries during the Revolution and First Empire were this maker, Pierre-Dominique Maire (c. 1763-1827), and Martin-Guillaume Biennais, silversmith to Napoleon. The 2 competed directly in creation of these layered elaborate sets for Royals of Europe and top dignitaries of the world in their time. Do some research on your own to understand the true museum piece, investment quality set we're putting before you herein. Found in France, it is far more complete than most, though does miss a few items. Layers of writer's tools and vanity & dining rest still in their spots, over 30 in all. The interior lid has its easel-vanity mirror, behind which is the folio for important papers, correspondence. Everything from 18k gold trimmed pen and hygiene items, to thread spools, brush and comb, inkwells, eyewash cup and tongue scraper, dental tools and silver-sheathed toothbrush, to a deep bowl/saucer and matching cup in hand painted porcelain and a water and wine cup. Everything a traveler would need. Even the original 2 silver-capped inkwells remain in their spaces. Spectacular set, the wine cup shows its silversmith as Tonnelier, dates about 1798. The set has 2 of the MAIRE labels, placing the firm at 154 Rue St. Honoré, across from the Oratoire, Paris, which address is across from the older section of the Louvre. I'll add an intaglio print to illustrate the approximate view of the Louvre from MAIRE's business address. History is important! Makers attained lauded reputations, and this one is at the pinnacle, if 2nd to Biennais. Museum worthy, and among others, will retain and continue to rise in value. I found several references to museum collections and also high value auction results from Sotheby's and the rest. This is your opportunity to own famed creations of the best, as France was in Revolution and then as Napoleon was in his ascent.

Very good to excellent condition throughout. The chest is top quality burled wood, very slight disruption visible on the top, but not too distracting. Elaborate brass work, cornering and stringing, and the original working lock has its key, which is also rare. Inside, the condition is just fabulous - look at the trays, fittings, and implements. A few are missing: scissors, silver spoon, a folding toothpick, the original pocket knife (a period one is in the space, but it is English, 1700s), not much missing here. The presence of undamaged porcelain bowl/saucer and cup, and the Baccarat water glass, and slightly dinged but present sterling silver wine cup or timbale by Tonnelier - etc., etc., etc. - it's a thrill to open it and wander through the fascinating necessities within. Only slightly less than perfectly complete. A true work of artisan's excellence. I do not know for whom it was made, but perhaps further research with the monogram will help reveal it.  No warp to the casket, chest, box. Stunning find!

Return Policy:
We always honor a 3-day return on our items, and guarantee them to be as described. Money back, less shipping costs, which are not refundable, so ask questions if necessary. We're easy to deal with.

Shipping and Handling Policy:

You are very important! 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. Customer satisfaction is paramount with us, so if you're thinking we have not deserved your highest marks, please contact us and allow us to be sure your concerns are completely satisfied before you rank us. We aim for 5-star transactions every day, and depend upon you to tell us directly if we have not yet met that standard for your transaction. Thank you! We most often use USPS for our shipping needs but will be happy to ship by another carrier if you prefer.

We charge only actual postage & insurance, never a handling fee and never for packaging materials. Ebay is now requiring that our clients rank us on "shipping". The shipping price, speed and handling are actually under the sole control of the delivering postal agency, not Antiques & Uncommon Treasure so please remember that and leave us high DSR rankings. As always, please also feel free to contact us if you have any problems or concerns, we'll do what we can to ensure a happy and mutually enjoyable transaction.

Insurance has been eliminated as an option by ebay, forcing us sellers to either ship your items without insurance or assume that expense also. We always insure our items BUT, more importantly, pack them extremely well knowing that most are not replaceable. Again, damage in transit, while rare in our experience, is due to the postal agency handling and not caused by Antiques & Uncommon Treasure. Please remember that when leaving DSR ratings. Thanks!

Our shipping days are Tuesday and Friday, paid items will be shipped on the first shipping day after payment is received (except when special circumstances exist). We prefer to use USPS whenever possible, and require all packages to be insured. If you prefer another method of shipment, please mention it. We charge only actual expense of shipment/insurance, except in the case of larger items which must have special wood crates built. Wood crate charge, when applicable, is a flat $35.00 in addition to actual postage & insurance charges.

Other Information:
8.75% sales tax applicable as of April 1st, 2009 for shipments & sales within the state of California, no exceptions. If you are within CA and are a dealer buying for resale, you must provide us your active resale certificate # and acknowledgment of intent to resell or we will have to collect sales tax. No exceptions.

Auction Payment Methods:
Paypal: E-Check, Visa, Mastercard, etc.. Credit card payment by online service only, no direct processing.