Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Paris Window Shopping

An antique shop on the corner of the Rue de Bac and the Boulevard St. Germaine. An ornately painted chest in the window - bristling with intricate machinery. What is it? Is it some kind of diabolical torture device? A magician's chest for a sword piercing act?

What?

I'll never know - the shop was closed. You guys have any ideas?

9 comments:

mo.stoneskin said...

It certainly looks very torture-like. I suppose it could be a set of herb-garden tools.

Sue said...

I have no idea, but the inside certainly doesn't seem to match the outside of the chest. I hope someone has the answer for you.

Sue

KBeau said...

Interesting looking chest. Let us know if you find out what it was used for.

O.P. said...

It looks like some over-elaborate lock mechanism, but as mom says, the inside doesn't quite match the outside.

ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© said...

It's MAGIC!
~

Beverly said...

Whoa! I give up.

I think you need to go back when the store is open, and then tell us the answer.

cactus petunia said...

Maybe it was Rube Goldberg's trunk!

Gilly said...

I'm pretty sure its a locking mechanism. I've seen something similar on Antique programmes on the TV. The chests were used for money and valuables, so a good strong thief-proof lock was essential.

But its a work of art in itself!

Unknown said...

Wow. I am so glad you had such a lovely time on your trip of a lifetime! I love looking back at the pictures!