An exquisite mother-of-pearl musical necessaire of scallop shell form.
This is a rare and complete treasure from the famed Palais-Royal. The box is a work of art with a fully fitted interior. The original mirror is revealed on the inside lid which features delicately engraved floral designs.
It also houses a delightful two-air musical movement which is numbered107 and is in full working order.
Attributed to the Swiss born make Henry-Daniel Capt of Geneva.


Since the reign of Louis XIV, the Palais-Royal has been an illustrious and integral part of Parisian life. Under the rule of Louis Philippe II, the lavish palace transformed into Europe's paramount marketplace. The premier establishment flourished with the personal workshops of the world's finest artisans, cafés, hair salons, bookshops and museums. Enchanting royalty, courtiers and Europe's most affluent patrons, people flocked to obtain the most luxurious goods available in the world. Items from the Palais-Royal continue to epitomize the height of luxury and are highly prized by collectors today.


Although the movement in the necessaire is not stamped or signed, the layout, serial number of 107 typeface with the 1 being more like a I or a backwards L, and general bedplate design having sectional comb teeth on a tapered comb bar points confidently to Henri Capt, the Geneva maker who was one of the pioneers of the cylinder type musical movements. The comb teeth are damperless as these had not yet been invented. Playing two airs, not identified, they are likely to be rural/folk Swiss airs known well at the time.
Henri Capt business records are thin, but from what we know, he had a team of up to 19 at one point working in the centre of Geneva where most movements were sold out uncased. The serial number and design of this one suggests about 1815-20, which would fit perfectly with the case it is fitted into.

Condition
Good consistent with age