Eiffel Tower construction (gilded). (France, late 19th centu - Lot 190

Eiffel Tower construction (gilded). (France, late 19th century). Construction of the Eiffel Tower (gilded). (France, late 19th century). Wooden box, size 27.8 x 27.8 x 10.5 cm, covered with paper evoking a stone or brick wall. It contains twenty-three wooden pieces, gilded on the outside. A set for building a rustic Eiffel Tower, but in gold! The lid of the box can be removed; once turned upside down, it serves as a base on which to build the Tower, which rises to a height of 60 cm from a base of 24 cm. All the parts are made of fairly rough wood, with only the outer faces sanded and carved with lines that evoke the look of the metal construction; there are two individual storeys, and the ridge is topped with a piece of turned wood. Assembly is simple. The astonishing aspect of the object is given by the fact that the Tower is covered in gold paint. Made at the end of the 19th century, perhaps contemporary with the erection. Under the box is a remnant of a label bearing the words "Fabrication française".