Featured French art nouveau metal box

Hi folks

something else i picked up the other day in my mates house clearance shop(5)

thinking like a gilded (or once gilded) bronze or aged copper

really quite a hefty thing for its size, so don't know if thats got anything to do with its purpose, which i am unsure of

its definitely calling out for a good polishing (looking forward to that)

guessing its gotta be late 19th century

any thoughts or info appreciated

 

seems to be a jewelry box

https://picclick.co.uk/1900s-Antique-French-Depose-Gilt-Metal-Jewelry-Box-272949146404.html

 

darn it, doesn't open up to anything

 

I see this lady quite often on brooches with roll over clasps so her image may have been reproduced for quite some time into the 20th c. If you lens just her you should see pendants and a mail sorter as well. She was pretty popular.

 

thanks Mirana the Depose mark would probably date it to early 20th (at the latest) if i remember, but will double check

 

Impressive looking lump. Is it bronze?

 

A lump is what it is mate, if i had to wager i'd say copper thats darkened brown but unsure, will give it a little scratcheroo

 

My first guess would be brass, they usually were, but copper is possible too.

 

yeah most of it is copper but the lid is a non fine white metal

as its just copper and such think i'll just touch up the missing gold paint and leave the base as is to show the age

 

Nice piece Charlie
God idea, leaving the patina alone is a good thing.
Mikey