French, circa 1880. Unusual French glass, gilt metal and enameled candy dish or box shaped like a 'sad iron' with blue opaline and gilt enameled turned and shaped handle, each end mounted with gilt metal supports in the form of a jardinière or pot issuing a leafy grape vines further mounted to the pale white opaline shaped box enamel decorated with an allegorical scene depicting love; a heart struck with arrow and a romantic courtyard scene with standing male leaning against a pedestal with cupid sculpture and gazing down at seated female playing a mandolin or lute, headed with a pair of lovebirds, ribbon tied arrow and berried laurel leaves, all within a gilt metal mounted border, the glass sides also decorated with continuous enamel geometric motif and scrolling berried foliage, a conforming cranberry glass dish is contained within the box and outlined with gilt enamel, the front of dish with gilt metal turned pull and enamel painted berried foliage. Apparently unmarked. Approximate height 5.25”, width 6.3”, depth 3.25”.

Overall good condition. Scattered areas of gilt enamel loss. Very minor pitting on the blue opaline handle. Gilt metal supports modeled as jardinieres are slightly bent and the base to one of the little pots is lifting with traces of old glue residue. There is some oxidation to the gilt metal. Manufacturing flaws (hand blown) to the cranberry insert including a couple of small internal bubbles and a small ding or 'fish eye' but is smooth to the touch, gilt enamel loss. Could benefit from cleaning. Surface scratches to the bottom commensurate with age and usage.