Antique French late 19th century Belle Epoque era bronze smoking service, table top or desk set by Maximilien Victor Ringel (1859 - ap. 1882). The multi-piece set includes a tray, a covered box, and a trio of open containers in graduated sizes including a match stick holder with striker at the base. Each piece is comprised of cast bronze construction with relief-decorated motif of figures, animals, and foliage. The pieces are crafted to resemble rolled paper sheets with curled corners. Embellished throughout with naturalistic foliage, with various leaves and vines. Featuring an equestrian theme with scenes of riders and horses in a country setting. Accented with symbols of horse racing including lucky horse shoes with sprigs of laurel, jockey hats, saddles and stirrups. Each piece is signed M.R., the tray signed M. Ringel. Ringel was an Alsation sculptor born in Diemeringen and was a pupil of his brother Jean-Desire Ringel (1847-1916) and Aimé Millet. He sent works to the Salon from 1878-1882. The set is in overall good antique condition with general wear from use and patina/discoloration to the bronze commensurate with age.
Dimensions:
Tray -16 5/8" x 9 7/8" x 1 3/8" height.
Lidded box- 4 3/4" x 3 3/4" x 4 1/4" height.
Larger container - 3 5/8" x 3" x 3 1/4" height.
Smaller container - 2 3/4" x 2 1/4" x 2 5/8" height.
Match stick holder-2 1/8" x 1 1/2" x 2 1/4" height.