Rare 18th Century French Palais Royal Beehive Etui, Box, Casket, Coffret for Scent Bottle or Candle mythical painting The center diamond is 4mm

The center diamond is 4mm in diameter

The idea of these boxes was that it would be a lasting memento

and while I think I can make out a tiny French mark near one hold in the tongue side of clasp

or possibly it is a gift to her young husband

Rare 18th Century French Palais Royal Beehive Etui, Box, Casket, Coffret for Scent Bottle or Candle mythical painting The center diamond is 4mmRare and fabulous brightly gilded brass wire beehive, c. 1770 1810, this one is the most beautiful one we've had and it's got more bees attached, as well. Made in form of the old straw and basket beehives of old, this one is an open trinket box. I've seen some open to an opaline perfume flask, or some fitted with miniature sewing tools, they were whimsical items from the boutiques that flanked the promenade gardens of the old palace of Cardinal