Vintage Florentine Leather Trinket Box - Small

This petite hexagonal leather box is a testament to the refinement and craftsmanship of 19th-century French decorative arts. Designed in a compact, geometric form, it is covered in richly patinated leather, hand-tooled with delicate gilt lines and centered by a stylized fleur-de-lis motif — a symbol long associated with French nobility and refinement.

Boxes such as this were often created as etuis or small containers for personal items — from jewelry and cufflinks to seals, coins, or tiny keepsakes. Their design combined both elegance and practicality, making them desirable accessories for the well-appointed writing desk, dressing table, or gentleman’s pocket.

The box’s warm brown tone with subtle variations in the leather surface reflects decades of use, while the fine gilded details still glimmer softly, affirming its quality and hand-finished artistry. Its hinged form and fitted interior once ensured safe storage of precious belongings, while today it serves as a beautiful vessel for jewelry, desk accessories, or simply as a decorative accent layered into a vignette.

Details:

• Origin: France
• Date: 19th Century (c. 1850–1890)
• Materials: Tooled and gilt leather over wood, fitted interior
• Motif: Fleur-de-lis in gilt tooling
• Condition: Leather with age-wear and rich patina; gilt details remain visible and intact

Styling Notes: 

• Place atop a stack of antique books or papers to add depth and character to a study or library.
• Use as a jewelry or keepsake box, bringing a sense of history into the everyday ritual of storage.
• Display as part of a collection of smalls, where its form and gilt detailing shine among other antique curiosities.