An exceptional antique French sterling silver jewelry or trinket box by the French sculptor Louis Armand Rault (1847-1903). The box is decorated with finely chased panels. Each encompassing various wildlife in their natural forest settings with a charming theme on family emphasized in the animal scenes. To the front is a scene of deer and a stag, the back features a wild boar with piglets. Flanking the sides are pictorials of fowl, including a family of pheasants and ducks wading in a pond. The slightly domed hinged lid is decorated with foliage of oak leaves and berries, further embellished with reptiles: a lizard and toad. Opening to a gold vermeil interior. Resting on raised feet resembling clusters of oak leaves and acorns. Hallmarks to the lid and body of the French Mercury 1st standard mark. This mark was struck on items intended for export and depicts the head of Mercury with a number 1 beside him to denote a silver content of 950/1000 (of 95% pure silver and a higher finesse than .925 sterling). Each scene is marked with the monogram of conjoined initials LR for Louis Armand Rault. In overall good antique condition with some wear to the vermeil interior. Measures 4" x 2 5/8" x 3 1/2" height. Weighs 297 grams.
Louis Armand Rault (1847-1903) was a French Jeweler, sculptor, and medalist. A maker of small fine objects, Rault worked for French designer Boucheron for seven years starting at the age of 21. He largely set the foundation for Boucheron’s gold medal victory at the 1900 Exposition Universelle. He was renowned for his chasing skills, and often called the best of his time. His work won many artistic awards. His creations appear in several museums such as the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.