Large ormolu mounted malachite marriage casket by Monbro

The superb malachite and ormolu casket—with the malachite veneer being a later addition—is of curved form and an unusually large size, with the hinged top surmounted by two full length ormolu female figures leaning towards a shield with the monogram 'A.P.' The four corners at the base are set with cherubs and are further decorated with scrolling foliage. The top opens with a lock and key to a plush green velvet interior.

Marriage caskets have been used in many cultures for many hundreds of years. Traditionally they were given by the groom to his bride to store precious marriage gifts and other objects such as jewellery. They have been made in many materials and sizes: the very large size of this one, as well as the maker suggests it would have been commissioned by a very wealthy and important family.

The monogram 'A.P.' would have been for the family this casket was originally made for in the 19th Century. The lockplate is signed 'Monbro Fils Ainé A Paris'.