A wonderfully atmospheric antique French bentwood hat box, dating from the late 19th to very early 20th century, circa 1880–1910.
This is a particularly characterful survivor, beautifully constructed from thin bent and shaped wood using traditional nailed construction. It retains its original aged leather securing strap with metal buckle, together with its black fabric-covered lid and lovely soft green interior lining.
The craftsmanship is delightful. Tiny old fixings run vertically along the joined wooden body, while the warm honey-coloured timber has developed a fabulous mellow patina through more than a century of use. The leather strap is equally appealing, richly aged, cracked and softened with time.
The underside is particularly lovely, retaining a clearly stamped number “12”, together with faint original pencil-written numbers and marks, including “42106” and further small notations. These appear to be old workshop, stock, size or retailer’s markings; their precise meaning is unknown, but they are wonderful surviving evidence of the box’s working history.
Originally made for the storage and transportation of a hat, today it makes an exceptional decorative piece. It would look fabulous stacked with antique luggage, displayed on top of an armoire, used for storing textiles or keepsakes, or simply enjoyed exactly as it is as an authentic piece of French brocante.
Measurements
Width: 30 cm / 12 inches
Height: 18.5 cm / 7¼ inches
Depth: 23 cm / 9 inches
Condition
Beautifully timeworn antique condition with considerable authentic age and character.
There is wear and loss to the black fabric covering of the lid, surface marks and scratches to the wood, historic woodworm holes, and age-related wear and cracking to the original leather strap. There are also the expected knocks, marks and imperfections accumulated through well over a century of use.
These signs of age have deliberately been left untouched and are very much part of the charm and authenticity of the piece. Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.
A gorgeous and increasingly difficult-to-find piece of old France — primitive, practical, beautifully worn and absolutely full of character.
