A splendid Second Empire (1852 to 1870) ormolu jewel box from a Paris antique market. One feature that particularly elevates this casket for me is the bronze medallion in the centre, a cameo of a goddess, maybe Flora the goddess of flowers and spring, and the imperial eagles above the legs are a motif of Napoleon III and date this beautiful decorative antique to that era.
 
The magenta pink padded silk lining is original and intact, the silk has become a little threadbare from use over the last 150 or more years, but remains its brightness.
 
The box is heavyweight gilded metal which has a little wear and preserved patina commensurate with age. The medallion in the centre is slightly loose in lid but it cannot slip out of its mount. I have wiped it with a soft cloth (definitely not polished it!) and the the raised design has shone.
 
 The lid is hinged, the pin has either slipped a little of been replaced, but the lid operates fluidly and the box stands firmly on the 4 cabriole lions paw legs.
 
It stands 4.5" tall and is 4.25" wide and 3" deep.