Antique Alfred Daguet Box Art Nouveau Hammered Copper Opal Jewel Casket As-Is) For Sale

An exceptional, museum-worthy example of French Art Nouveau metalwork by the renowned Parisian master metalsmith Alfred-Louis-Achille Daguet (1875–1942), dating to circa 1900–1910. Daguet famously operated an atelier out of Siegfried Bing’s iconic Maison de l\'Art Nouveau in Paris, and his pieces are held in prestigious museum collections worldwide.This spectacular casket features Daguet’s signature, heavily hand-hammered repoussé brass/copper sheets over a wood frame. The organic, fluid, whip-lash stylized lines across the lid and sides are highly indicative of his work during this peak period.The center of the lid is beautifully set with a cluster of three genuine oval cabochon opals, showing a stunning, milky iridescent play-of-color. The lid and sides are further adorned with a brilliant galaxy of turquoise-blue and sea-green art glass cabochons, evoking Daguet’s iconic \"medieval cosmic\" aesthetic. The interior is lined with its original ribbed silk fabric.The underside of the box proudly features the deep, crisp, hand-stamped Alfred Daguet maker’s mark signature.Condition Report:This piece is offered in its original, unpolished antique condition with a magnificent, deep century-old dark patina and natural verdigris highlights along the seams. To preserve its utmost historical value and collector appeal, it has not been cleaned, altered, or polished.Please note the following structural and mechanical damage:Hinges: One of the two rear metal hinges is currently broken. The lid opens and stays aligned on the frame but requires gentle handling.Front Lock: The front lock mechanism is broken/non-functional. The front lock latch is loosely set, and the key is missing.Wear: Expected minor age-related scuffs to the interior lining and superficial surface wear to the hammered metal panels. All original gemstones and glass cabochons appear firmly intact.This is a premier restoration candidate or an exceptional \"as-is\" display piece for a serious collector of turn-of-the-century European decorative arts.Size: 8” x 6” x 3”