{"product_id":"19th-century-french-inscribed-postage-stamp-box","title":"19th-Century French-Inscribed Postage Stamp Box","description":"\u003cp\u003eA handsome accessory from the world of handwritten correspondence, this 19th-century stamp box features a dark exterior outlined with warm gold-tone borders and a central cartouche inscribed “TIMBRES-POSTE,” French for postage stamps. The hinged lid opens to reveal a beautifully figured wooden interior divided into four compartments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe introduction of adhesive postage stamps transformed letter writing during the 19th century. France issued its first stamps in 1849, allowing senders to purchase postage in advance and keep a supply ready for correspondence. Decorative stamp boxes offered an orderly place to store these small paper necessities on the writing desk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDivided interiors made it convenient to separate stamps by denomination or type, while a fitted lid helped protect them between uses. Such boxes belonged alongside inkwells, pen trays, letter openers, and other accessories that brought both usefulness and refinement to daily correspondence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is particularly appealing for its contrast of materials and finishes. The restrained dark exterior gives the inscription prominence, while the figured wood within rewards a closer look. Its French wording suggests a French-speaking market, although the exact country of manufacture remains unverified.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLovely displayed on a desk or repurposed for small keepsakes, it preserves the charm of a practical object made for a more deliberate age of communication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e 19th century\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unverified; French inscription\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wood with a dark exterior finish, figured wood interior, and gold-tone metal borders, cartouche, and fittings; wood species and metal alloy unverified\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesign:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hinged stamp box with four interior compartments\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal Purpose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Storage and organization of postage stamps\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good antique condition with very minor surface wear. Our pieces have been previously loved, and we always note visible flaws identified during inspection. As an antique, this piece will show signs of age and past use that contribute to its individual character.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurements: \u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e3.175\" L x 3\" W x 1.375\" H \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"soul fed home","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67883452825921,"sku":null,"price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0773\/9549\/3185\/files\/D6943D7E-8E88-4919-A440-25C4D76787B5.png?v=1792029322","url":"https:\/\/soulfedhome.com\/products\/19th-century-french-inscribed-postage-stamp-box","provider":"Soul Fed Home","version":"1.0","type":"link"}