A beautiful antique French bevelled-glass trinket casket dating from the early 20th century, featuring a rare souvenir panel depicting La Cathédrale de Reims avant guerre — Reims Cathedral before the war. This places the casket before the heavy bombardment of 1914, making it an evocative and historically significant piece.
The top panel holds a reverse-painted or transferred souvenir image beneath glass, decorated with tiny iridescent foil fragments typical of French tourist pieces from the Belle Époque to pre-WWI period. The box itself is constructed from thick, hand-cut bevelled glass panels set into ornate gilt-metal mounts with decorative claw-and-paw feet and a tufted pink velvet cushion to the interior.
French souvenir caskets of this age and subject are increasingly scarce, especially with intact glass and original inner pad.
Approx. size: 6.5 × 6.5 × 6.5 cm
🌿 Early 20th-century French souvenir casket
🌿 Bevelled glass panels with gilt-metal mounts
🌿 Rare image: Reims Cathedral before the war
🌿 Original pink velvet interior cushion
🌿 Decorative paw feet and ornate metalwork
🌿 A delicate and atmospheric piece of French history
Condition
Wear to gilt metal, surface oxidation and patina throughout; age-related foxing to the souvenir image; glass showing light clouding and minor marks from age. Velvet pad worn but original. Hinged lid opens and closes. Please see images for full detail.
Our Antique Forager Ethos
We source antique and vintage pieces for their craftsmanship, character and individuality, selecting only those that stand out and carry a story worthy of passing on.
Shipping
Free UK postage. Worldwide delivery available — rates vary by destination and weight. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout. Every item is carefully packed and insured.
