French Louis XVI Vernis Martin Billet-Doux (Love Note) Case bookcases are elaborately hand carved with

are elaborately hand carved with all-over scrolling floral designs

It comes complete with the door jamb

over four glazed sides with a hinged side door

this antique trunk reflects the style of the Sheraton period in England

Red cloth hardcover with gilt lettering

French Louis XVI Vernis Martin Billet-Doux (Love Note) Case bookcases are elaborately hand carved withDETAILS A rare antique, French cylindrical box with a fitted lid and gold mounts used to used to transport or store a secret love letter (billet doux). The surface is decorated with layers of paint with putti and cherubs holding floral garlands all on a gilt surface. This painting technique known as vernis Martin was a style of japanning or imitation lacquer named after the Martin Brothers interior designers. DATE 18th century DIMENSIONS Width 1 Depth