Antique French Eiffel Tower Souvenir Casket

Some people came home from Paris with a postcard. Others came home with this.

The oval casket is made of gilt metal, with a filigree band and four small feet. Under the glass lid is a hand-tinted Eiffel Tower, labeled "Paris" in case anyone was unclear, set against a sky fading from blue into pink. It's the kind of sunset Paris tends to promise more often than it delivers.

The lid lifts on its hinge to show a soft green lining. That's just the right size for rings, a few earrings, or a modest collection of other people's secrets.

The gilt has softened over the years, and the glass has the gentle wear you'd expect from a piece that has been admired, opened, and closed for generations. It reads as well loved rather than worn out.

Details

• Origin: France
• Materials: Gilt metal, glass, fabric lining
• Dimensions: 3" L × 2.25" W × 1.75" H
• Condition: Antique, with patina and gentle wear consistent with age