Quimper Cathedral Souvenir Trinket Box – Vaseline Glass & Brass, ca. 1900–1920
CHF 175
A glowing memento from France’s picturesque town of Quimper, this charming trinket box features a hand-tinted photographic image of the Cathédrale Saint-Corentin — one of Brittany’s Gothic landmarks — under glass. Likely created as a keepsake around the early 20th century (circa 1900–1920), the box is crafted from vaseline glass with brass filigree framing and curved rococo feet. It still retains its original golden satin cushion inside.
Souvenir boxes like this were often sold in pilgrimage or tourist towns, where photography and craftsmanship met in unique, small-scale luxury. The front image — “Quimper Vue Générale” — showcases the skyline at sunset, with rich pink and turquoise hues.
A subtle greenish fluorescence under UV light indicates uranium content in the glass — a telltale sign of vaseline glass from this era.
Origin: France, likely Brittany region (Quimper)
Material: Vaseline uranium glass, brass
Estimated Date: circa 1900–1920
Features:
- Hand-tinted photographic glass lid featuring Quimper Cathedral
- Brass decorative mount with ornate feet and clasp
- Uranium glass sides with original satin lining
- Intact, functional hinge
Condition:
Very good antique condition; minor age-related wear consistent with use.
Measurements:
Approx. 5 × 5 × 5.5 cm
