A RARE 19TH CENTURY FRENCH PARCELGILT METAL CASKET Neo-Gothic in style, with openwork feet &

A RARE 19TH CENTURY FRENCH PARCELGILT METAL CASKET Neo-Gothic in style, with openwork feet & corners, each set with a carved ivory figure, the domed cover & body decorated with vertical panels of foliate scroll engraving separated by applied pierced straps, with a swing handle, hasp lock (with key) & applied shield cartouche, initialled "AS", lined interior, signed "Alpe-Giroux et Compie a Paris", c.1840; 9.25" (23.5 cms) long *Giroux & Co (1799-1885), was founded by Francois Simon Alphonse Giroux and in 1838 his two sons Alphonse-Gustave and Andre took over the running of the company. Under their leadership the firm specialised in making objects of luxury & fantasy of such quality that Maison Alphonse-Giroux became official supplier to both King Louis XVIII & King Charles X of France. They also made small exquisite furniture and a bonheur-du-jour which they exhibited at the Paris World Exposition of 1855 was purchased by the Empress Eugenie for the Chateau de Compiegne - the Imperial Court`s residence.