Rare Snuff Box In The Shape Of A Man's Boot In Paper Mache Boiled Cardboard From Pont-à-mousson In Lorraine Trompe l'Oeil

It is not the shoe that we know nor a boot but a man's boot in black lacquered papier-mâché which was used in the 19th century as a tobacco receptacle; in other words, it is a snuffbox that you carried in your pocket. It has a lid in the same material which opens and closes with a hinge. Inlaid with pewter threads, a knot ending in two large pompoms serve as trim to the boot. Its sole is covered with a rough material acting as a scraper. Very realistic, at the base of the upper, the folds of the leather of the boot that served are figured. The boot stands upright. It is a work of Pont-à-Mousson (Meurthe et Moselle), a town in Lorraine near Nancy which has a magnificent papier-mâché museum bringing together hundreds of objects made in this material, from the most modest objects of everyday life with magnificent furniture of extreme refinement! Dimensions: Length: 5 cm Height: 6.5 cm Good condition. Tiny marks of use. The hinge is in remarkable condition and works perfectly. It has retained its original varnish. Note some fine vertical cracks and wear on the scraper (which has been used!). Many other objects to discover in my stand at the antique fairs in which I participate. Follow my gallery to be informed of new products and to know the dates of the next Salons... Any questions? Feel free to call me or send me a message. I will answer you with great pleasure.