18th Century French Parisian La Forest Travel Horse Carriage Trunk

Description

A scarce nearly 300 year old antique Parisian travel trunk / storage chest by La Forest.

Exquisitely hand-crafted in Paris, … more A scarce nearly 300 year old antique Parisian travel trunk / storage chest by La Forest.

Exquisitely hand-crafted in Paris, France in the first half of the 18th century, during the reign of King Louis XV (1715-1774), fine quality craftsmanship, construction and luxurious materials, featuring a solid wood frame with patinated metal mounts wrapped in animal hide binding to top and front, dual rolled iron carry handles at sides, slatted back and sturdy plank boarded verso, having hinged dome top, open to original flannel fabric lined interior, retaining maker's label under lid, signed La Forest. circa 1725

The label reads:
Aux Armes De France
Rue Saint Barthelemy, au bas du Pont-au-change, vis-a-vis l'Horloge du Palais

La Forest, Maitre Coffretier- Malletier ordinaire de la Maifon de Condé : Fait & vend touted Fortescue de Coffres, Malles, Valifes, Etuis de Chapeaux, Fourreaux de Piftolets, Malles de Rouffi, & autres Marchandifes concernantles Voyages, Cantins, Caves, Malles de Lits, Coffres a Vaiffelles, Paniers de Bagages, & toutes Fortescue d'Equipages d'Armees. Le tout a jufte prix
A Paris

Translated:
Street Saint Barthelemy, at the bottom of Pont-au-change, opposite the Palace Clock

La Forest, Master Boxmaker - Ordinary Trunkmaker of the House of Condé: Makes & sells all Fortescue of Chests, Trunks, Valifes, Hat Cases, Piftolet Scabbards, Rouffi Trunks, & other Merchandise concerning Travel, Canteens, Cellars, Trunks of Beds, Dish Chests, Luggage Baskets, & all Army Crew Forts. Everything at a fair price
In Paris

Dimensions: (approx)
16" High, 38" Wide, 18" Deep

Condition:
A superb museum quality example in great original unrestored antique condition. Presents splendidly with beautifully aged warm rustic heavily worn distressed patina. Wear consistent with three centuries of age and use, including patinated oxidized metal, dried leather animal hide with minor tears, craquelure and losses, overall nothing that detracts from the display or functionality but only adds to the sophisticated antique character, elegant warmth, and rich historical depth that can only be acquired over very long periods of time! less