Royal Alliance 18th-Century French Trompe L’Œil Book Box (Livre Secet) – Louis XV & Marie Leszczyńska (Dated 1756)

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Description

An exquisite and highly collectible 18th-century French trompe l’œil faux book box (livre secret), a hollow safe historically significant for … Read more An exquisite and highly collectible 18th-century French trompe l’œil faux book box (livre secret), a hollow safe historically significant for its royal binding heritage. The piece was cleverly fashioned from a genuine 1756 volume of Dictionnaire des Théâtres de Paris (Tome Second), published in Paris "Chez Lambert."

Royal Binding Heritage:
The front covers is emblazoned with a prominent, weathered gold-leaf Alliance Coat of Arms of King Louis XV of France and Queen Marie Leszczyńska. The heraldic stamp features the characteristic dual accollé oval shields beneath a single royal crown: the dexter (left) shield bearing the royal three fleurs-de-lis of France, and the sinister (right) shield representing the arms of Queen Marie Leszczyńska. Books featuring these combined royal arms were bound specifically for the French royal household or the immediate court circles at Versailles.

Craftsmanship & Novelty: The exterior showcases its original full mottled calf leather binding, complete with a richly patinated surface, raised spine bands, elaborate gilt floral tooling, and its original gilt-stamped title label.
Opening the "cover" reveals a hollowed interior beautifully lined with its original 18th-century hand-marbled swirl paper in muted ochre, blue, and cream tones. The inner rim is meticulously bordered with salvaged text leaves from the original publication, creating a seamless secret compartment. a phenomenal example of an aristocratic period secret box. Pieces like this were favored by the French elite to conceal private letters, jewelry, or sensitive political documents directly on a library shelf where they would completely blend in. Perfect as a sophisticated conversation piece on a library desk, mantelpiece, or coffee table to store small valuables, jewelry, or letters.

Details:
• Provenance: French Royal Binding (Alliance Arms of Louis XV & Marie Leszczyńska)
• Creator: Chez Lambert, Libraire (Paris)
• Date of Manufacture: 1756 (MDCCLVI)
• Place of Origin: France
• Period: Mid-18th Century
• Materials: Mottled Calf Leather, Gold Leaf, Hand-Marbled Paper, Book-board/Wood
• Dimensions: 1.5 W x 4.25 D x 7 H inches See less