Roussillon, Paris — Gilt-Tooled Leather Correspondence Box with Key

Fine gilt borders frame the mottled brown leather of this sloped-lid correspondence box. Small rosettes and foliate details recall the tooling of a finely bound book, while a dark metal lock plate anchors the front. On the underside, a discreet gilt stamp reads Roussillon, 18 Bd Malesherbes, tying the piece to a specific address in Paris.

The lid lifts to reveal dark, tiered compartments that keep letters and stationery upright and easy to reach. With its working lock and included key, it’s still a lovely way to keep handwritten notes, photographs, or personal papers together on a desk.

Details

• Mark — Gilt-stamped “Roussillon, 18 Bd Malesherbes” on the underside
• Origin — Paris, France, as indicated by the stamped address. Place of manufacture unconfirmed.
• Period — Possibly late nineteenth to early twentieth century, based on style. Exact date unconfirmed.
• Materials — Leather-covered case with gilt tooling and metal hardware
• Interior — Dark, tiered compartments for correspondence and stationery
• Lock — Working lock with key included
• Condition — Good overall condition for its age, with visible mottling, scuffs, and rubbing to the leather, particularly along the edges and base

Measurements: 12.5" L x 6.76" W x 10.5" H