Napoleon III Brass-Inlaid Mahogany and Crystal Cave a Liqueur

third quarter 19th century, the mahogany case with a serpentine facade inlaid with brass stars and an engraved brass cartouche, raised on brass feet, with gilt-bronze fittings set with four cut glass liqueur bottles and stoppers and twelve matching liqueur glasses.
open h. 17-1/2", closed h. 11", open w. 25-1/2", closed w. 19-1/2", d. 10"

Inlay generally good with scattered minor losses adjacent to the cartouches and loss to stringing at lower hinged cover and upper front base. The wooden area below the upper serpentine brass trim with surface losses and cracks. Old restorations and wear to several brass-bound corners. Back with scattered small discolorations toward one side. The cover and sides open smoothly, but the top does not close flush. Locking mechanism and key present. All of the above consistent with age and use. Decanters and stemware cut in a delicate design. Decanters good overall with the lower interior of two being slightly "sick". The gilt-bronze side fittings with later screws. The additional serpentine lower brass keeper near the decanters slightly bent. Eight of the liqueurs with an "X" engraved underneath the foot.