Napoleon III powder flask in blackened pear wood by Tahan - 1860-1880

Technical sheet. * Style / Period: Historicism, Napoléon III era (in the style of Louis XV), France, circa 1860-1880. * Cabinetmaker / Workshop: Jean-Pierre-Alexandre Tahan (Paris), supplier to Emperor Napoléon III. Engraved on the plate: "Tahan a Paris". * Material (exterior): Blackened pear wood (ebonised), inlays and marquetry of engraved brass. * Material (interior): Rosewood veneer, brass fittings, original mirror. * Finish: Hand-applied glossy shellac varnish. * Dimensions: Height 72 cm|Width 63 cm|Depth 43.5 cm. Description and condition. Small mechanical dressing table (powder table / work table) resting on four curved legs. The movable top and the shaped apron are highlighted by brass fillets. The centre of the top is adorned with rich engraved brass marquetry representing the crowned coat of arms of the Maynhault family, flanked by two lions with the motto "Crescit in augmentum patriae". The lid lifts to reveal a tilting mirror on hinges and a compartmentalised interior in rosewood with drawers (one of which has a removable pencil case). The piece features its original central locking system that simultaneously blocks the flap and the lower drawer. The piece has undergone a complete specialised restoration. The structure is perfectly stable, the shellac varnish is clean with a beautiful mirror effect. The central locking mechanisms, hinges, and the mirror tilting system are fully functional and original. Functional lock, key included. Not used since its restoration.