Antique French Diamond-Cut Crystal Casket with Medallion

This exquisite 19th-century French crystal casket exemplifies the elegance and precision of the Napoleon III period. Crafted from deeply cut crystal with a radiant diamond and fluted pattern, the box reflects light beautifully from every angle. The hand-faceted sides and beveled edges speak to the skill of a master glassmaker—possibly Baccarat or a contemporaneous atelier—though the piece is unsigned.

The lid is adorned with a finely detailed intaglio-style glass medallion featuring a classical profile portrait, likely inspired by Greco-Roman philosophers such as Socrates or Hippocrates. The figure is embedded in a round bronze bezel set into a square gilt mount—an uncommon detail that elevates the form and rarity of the piece. The neoclassical silhouette and academic profile add an air of gravitas, making this not just a decorative object, but a quiet tribute to intellect and refinement.

Brilliant in both form and function, the body of the box is composed of deeply faceted diamond-point cut glass, anchored by gilt bronze mounts at each corner. The clarity of the crystal and the precision of the cutting allow the surface to catch and scatter light with mesmerizing brilliance. The domed lid, with its raised magnifying cabochon and embedded portrait, feels almost jewel-like in its execution.

The casket is framed in finely cast gilt bronze with delicate feet and an architectural base that lifts it just slightly off the surface—giving it the presence of a display piece meant to be admired from every angle. It retains its original hinged lid and keyhole hardware. The lock mechanism is intact and still functional, and the original key is included—an increasingly rare feature in caskets of this age.

Whether placed atop a dressing table or layered into a bookshelf or cabinet of curiosities, this is the kind of piece that captivates at first glance and only becomes more intriguing with closer inspection.

Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 5 

Extra details: Likely from Napoleon III era (1860s - 1880s). Hand cut crystal, gilt bronze, insert glass medallion. Possibly baccarat or St. Louis attributed but unsigned.