Bidspirit auction | French Napoleon III Ebonized Cave

French Napoleon III Ebonized Cave Liqueur / Tantalus, Mid 19th Century - A fine French Napoleon III ebonized cave liqueur or tantalus, mid 19th century, the rectangular case decorated throughout with brass line inlay, boulle-style marquetry panels, gilt-metal mounts, beaded trim, foliate corner feet, and a shaped apron base. The hinged lid and front open to reveal a fitted removable interior with four square glass decanters and a suite of gilt-decorated cordial glasses, each decorated with gilt starbursts and gilt borders. The exterior features elaborate polychrome tortoiseshell-style and brass inlaid cartouches on the lid and front panel, with conforming smaller decorative reserves along the base. A richly ornamented 19th-century French liquor cabinet with strong decorative presentation and a complete fitted interior. 11 in. H, 13 in. W, 10 in. D. Condition: Good overall antique condition with expected age and use wear, including scattered surface scratches, rubbing, minor losses to ebonized finish, brass inlay, and gilt-metal mounts, and some looseness or wear typical of the form. Interior glassware complete, with four decanters present and a suite of cordial glasses; one cordial glass appears possibly associated or replaced. Scattered wear to gilt decoration on glassware.