Boys (and Men) with Bikes on Beach, Antique French RPPC (with Old Corner Mend) unusual sewing box 4 5/8" x 4 5/8"

4 5/8" x 4 5/8" x 3/8" and in very good antique condition

I believe it likely dates to the late 19th century and is dark brown with gold

with beading at the corners and woven metallic thread around the sides

8 7/8" x 6 5/8"

and I like the happy surprise of finding gold inside when one flips it over

Boys (and Men) with Bikes on Beach, Antique French RPPC (with Old Corner Mend) unusual sewing box 4 5/8" x 4 5/8"How much more romantic a vision this group of cyclists in black suits and hats than a bunch in fluorescent spandex and helmets, I'd say, and all the more so lined up on the beach forming a wall between sand and sea. Very cinematic. (And making me think of Reservoir Dogs!) A close look reveals numbers attached to the spokes of their bikes they don't look like Tour de France contenders to me (launched in 1903) but perhaps aspiring! 5 5 16 x 3 7 16. Nice