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National Treasure - Pauline Bonapart's Empire Period Mahogany Personal Letterbox

Creator: François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter -Napoleon Bonaparte
Offered by: Michael Lipitch Ltd

Description
Antique French A National Treasure - Pauline Bonaparte's (Borghe'se) Empire Period Mahogany Personal Letterbox.

FRANCOIS HONOR-GEORGES JACOB-DESMALTER

PARIS FRANCE c.1805

A Pure Treasure, this wonderful very private and personal Mahogany letterbox belonged to Pauline Borghese (Sister of Napoleon Bonaparte). It is of supreme quality and is adorned with the most excellent quality Ormolu Mounts showing the Royal Cresting of a Princess and confirming its provenance with the Napoleonic Signature Gilded Bronze Bees.
The personal letter can be posted into the box via a secret cupboard which in turn could only be opened by the Princess knowing where to find the key which is hidden, and then finding the very secret and hidden escutcheon which is the hidden amongst the fine metal decoration.

Provenance
Paulina Borghese (Nee Pauline Bonaparte)

Hotel Charost, 2 rue du Fauberg St Honore Paris ... Now in the British Embassy in Paris

Literature: The copy of the 1814 inventory (available) of the l'Hotel de la Princesse Pauline-Borghese (now British Embassy)lists a Petite boite a'lettre situated in the Antichambre.

More Information

Documentation:	Ample Provenance
Origin:	France
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Mahogany.
Condition:	Excellent.
Creation Date:	1805
Styles / Movements:	Traditional, Napoleon
Incollect Reference #:	353219

Dimensions

W.	11.42 in;	H.	12.2 in;	D.	9.45 in;
W.	29.01 cm;	H.	30.99 cm;	D.	24 cm;

Message from Seller:

Michael Lipitch established his antiques business in 1960. However, the family name “Lipitch” has been synonymous with the antiques profession for one hundred years. The company aims to provide collectors, museums and designers an opportunity to utilise the experience of an established expert in 17th, 18th & 19th century antiques. All pieces are personally selected by Michael, with authenticity, provenance, rarity, original colour and patination being of upmost importance.