Le Diable en Boîte

This rather unsettling 19th Century French jack-in-the-box presents a most curious specimen from the latter Victorian period. Crafted of aged wood with a distinctive red finish, the box houses a rather disconcerting papier-mâché figure with an unnaturally pink complexion and eerily painted questioning eyes.

The figure, dressed in simple white cotton with a peculiar ruff collar, emerges from its wooden prison on a rusted metal spring. Most notably, the box lacks its original brass clasp - leaving the lid unable to contain its occupant.

In French tradition, such boxes were known as "diable en boîte" - literally "devil in a box" - and were historically used to trap malevolent spirits. This specimen's inability to remain closed has led some occultists to suggest it may indeed house something far more sinister than mere springs and papier-mâché.

The conspicuous absence of a clasp has fuelled numerous theories. Some collectors whisper that it's creator may have declared such restraints futile, claiming the entity within would manifest at its own discretion. Unsubstantiated reports tell of the figure appearing fully extended during the darkest hours, though no formal documentation exists of such occurrences.

Construction Details

• Hand-carved wooden box with original red paint finish
• Papier-mâché head with hand-painted features and mohair
• Period cotton garments
• Original metal spring mechanism
• Missing clasp (believed removed intentionally)
• Dimensions: 4" x 4" x 6"

Warning: The vendor cannot guarantee the box will remain closed during shipping. We strongly advise against leaving it unattended near sleeping children.