The workshops of Alphonse TAHAN, Paris
1860 (ca)
Napoleon III era photograph album with Ebony, Brass, Tulipwood, Mother of Pearl & Abalone inlay

Photograph album
6.25 x 5 x 2.5 ins (16 x 12.7 x 6.3 cm)
 
Private collection of Pam Ferrazzutti
The label in this exquisite CDV album states "Pim Brothers & Co. Fancy Cabinet Department, DUBLIN". It no doubt was especially made for this Irish retailer, please note the tiny iridescent green abalone shamrocks or quartrefoils set into Mother of Pearl. The MOP stars are set into Ebony circles. Both designs were then edged with diminutive Tulipwood disks. The central brass cartouche is engraved with the owner's initials. The reverse features brass banded Tulipwood marquetry surounded by Ebony veneer. French polish finish. There are 25 pages holding 50 CDVs.
 
The 25 pages will accommodate a total of 50 CDVs. Each page is marked Brevete S.G.d.G. or "breveté sans garantie du gouvernement" (French: patented without government guarantee)
 
Alphonse Tahan (1830-1880) was a major maker of small items such as boxes and delicate furniture. He was the cabinet maker to Napoleon III.
 
LL/45701