Napoleon III Blue Opaline & Ormolu Perfume Caddy France, c. 1860–1880

napoleon III Blue Opaline & Ormolu Perfume Caddy France, c. 1860–1880**   This extraordinary 19th-century French perfume caddy is a masterpiece of Second Empire luxury — the kind of opaline treasure once found on the dressing tables of Parisian society. Featuring four luminous “bleu céleste” opaline bottles, each wrapped in exquisitely pierced gilt bronze, the set rests in an ornate carriage-form ormolu stand complete with turned wheels, scrolling supports, and a tilting mirror crowned with a Rococo crest.   The quality of the doré bronze mounts is exceptional: crisp scrollwork, honeycomb-textured collars, and richly modeled stoppers that still survive complete — a rarity in pieces of this age. The design strongly aligns with the luxury ateliers of the Palais-Royal (including Giroux, Tahan, and Vervelle), whose shops specialized in opaline vanity objects of this caliber. Sets of this form were often produced in collaboration with Baccarat or leading Parisian bronzeurs.   Beyond its beauty, this caddy reflects the intimate world of 19th-century French toilette culture. The adjustable original bevelled mirror was intended to tilt forward as perfume was applied — a small ritual of elegance, refinement, and indulgence     Details Era: Napoleon III Date: c. 1860–1880 Origin: France (likely Palais-Royal, Paris) Materials: Blue opaline glass, gilt bronze (ormolu), beveled mirror Features: Four matching opaline perfume bottles Intricately pierced gilt bronze jackets Original lids & stoppers Carriage-form ormolu frame with wheels Tilting bevelled mirror with Rococo crest Condition: Excellent for age; minor expected gilt wear         Why We Love It     This is one of those rare, show-stopper vanity pieces — vibrant opaline, sumptuous bronze, whimsical carriage form, and all bottles intact. It exudes Parisian luxury at its finest and instantly elevates any dressing table, bookshelf, or display cabinet. Perfume caddies of this scale, color, and completeness are highly sought after by collectors, and blue opaline always remains the most desirable.       A breathtaking collectible from the height of French opulence — museum-worthy, gift-worthy, and truly unforgettable.