Featured Wood and leather box with brass studs, French? Age please.

It could be of that age....
Can you see any of the thread used on installing it in there?
Is it silk or maybe a fine linen thread rather than modern cotton?
Can you see any of the selvedges of the fabric, antique fabric usually has a nice silky ribbon like edging that can be quite pretty.

 

@all_fakes can you determine the type of wood?

 

Another thing if there is any thread tails are they delicate and easy to snap and does the fabric have a musty smell?

 

No selvedges, everything is hidden. No thread tails either but the threads are extremely thin, similar to the threads on a ca 1860 jacket I have. A slightly musty smell, but not too bad.
Here is a closeup of tiny stitches:

 

Thanks, inh/Hunting.

 

It isn't easy to to see the stitches in the photo but it doesn't look like modern cotton thread so a good sign it's been in there for some time, the slightly musty smell is also a good sign that the fabric has age. I'm always happy when I buy antique textiles to get that smell provided it doesn't knock me over
All in all I'd say your box was refurbed a long time ago and a very nice find

P.S Hubby wonders if it was a Military box of some sort.

 

Thank you again, Poison.

I keep getting a shipping vibe, but I have nothing at all to back that up. Just a feeling. It is sturdy enough to be knocked about in rough weather. Maybe an officer's document box on a ship, whether navy or merchant navy.
Which could possibly bring us back to the French East India Company? And the heritage of @kyratango of course.

The true origin will probably remain a mystery to us, but thank you, your hubby, and everyone else for their input.

 

You're welcome