Antique French Tahan Paris Pocket Watch Box with Tortoiseshell Veneer

A pocket watch box from Tahan, the Paris maison that supplied fine boxes and objets to the Second Empire and was very good at making small things feel important. The case is octagonal, veneered in dark, richly mottled tortoiseshell and edged in gilt brass, with an engraved gilt cartouche on the lid that is still waiting for a monogram.

A small push-button at the front opens the lid to reveal a fitted interior in soft brown suede, shaped to cradle a pocket watch. The brass hinge plate is stamped "TAHAN Paris," which is about as good a signature as a box can have.

The tortoiseshell has a fine, even crackle and the brass has mellowed to a warm gold, the kind of character that only arrives with time and frequent handling.

Details

• Maker: Tahan, Paris (signed on the hinge plate)
• Origin: France
• Materials: tortoiseshell veneer; gilt brass mounts; fitted suede interior
• Dimensions: 2.9" × 2.5" × 1.6" H
• Condition: crackle to the veneer and wear to the brass and interior consistent with age. Please review all photos.