CONTINENTAL LEATHER-COVERED DOCUMENT BOX, with hinged lid, thin fitted drawer on one end, and gilt decoration to leather featuring bees and coat of arms, silk lined interior. Together with a copy of "L'Office de L'Eglise en Latina & Francois", published in 1700, and retaining its likely original binding. Two pieces total. 18th century. 3 3/4" H, 13" W, 9" D.
Provenance: From an Alexandria, VA private collection.
Catalogue Note: The present box with accompanying book are by oral history associated with the Barberini family of Rome. Wealthy and powerful multi-generational members of the Italian nobility, Barberini power reached its apex in the 17th century when Maffeo Barberini was elected as Roman Catholic Pope Urban VII. The Barberini coat of arms features three bees, and the present lot is by tradition linked with the family though no definitive proof as been discovered at present.

Wear, losses, insect damage, and small patched repairs to leather. Book with some rubbing to spine with small losses at bottom edge, wear to gilt.