Lot 617
A RARE 19TH CENTURY FRENCH PARCELGILT METAL CASKET
Neo-Gothic in style with openwork feet & corners, each set with a carved ivory figure under a canopy, the domed cover & body decorated with vertical panels of foliate scroll engraving separated by applied pierced straps, with a swing handle, hasp lock & applied shield cartouche, lined interior, signed "Alp.Giroux et Cie a Paris", c.1840; 9.25" (23.5 cms) long (one ivory figure missing)
*Giroux & Co (1799-1885) was founded by Francois Simon Alphonse Giroux and in 1838 his two sons Alphonse-Gustave and Andre took over the running of the company. Under their leadership the firm specialised in making objects of luxury & fantasy of such quality that Maison Alphonse-Giroux became official supplier to both King Louis XVIII & King Charles X of France.They also made small exquisite furniture and a bonheur-du-jour which they exhibited at the Paris World Exposition of 1855 was purchased by the Empress Eugenie for the Chateau de Compiegne - the Imperial Court's residence.
**An almost identical casket was sold at Lawrences in April 2012 for £4,800
