18th C French Vernis Martin Painted Hot Air Balloon Box

Approx. 2 1/2 inches in diameter and 1 1/2 inches tall.

2 pieces with the lid superbly painted and the box with a striped design. Interior painted to mimic tortoise shell.

Lid depicts the lift off the red ballon over a Sea side area with Ladies and Gentleman dressed in 18th C fashion.

Since the 1st recorded flight of a Hot Air Balloon in 1783 in Paris, the subject matter has become a great source of collectibility.

The early pieces are quite impossible to find. Added to the value is the box is in superb condition. Strong paint and no chips or cracks,

Rare and wonderful for the sophisticated collector