This is a small sewing box. There is a stain on the inside of the lid from when it was purchased, and there are signs that it was used as a sewing box. At home, I used it to display things like wristwatches. External dimensions: Width 23cm x Height 15cm x Depth 12cm Height including handle: 24cm Internal dimensions: Width 20cm x Height 12.5cm x Depth 10.5cm There is nothing to indicate that it is French, but I purchased it over 20 years ago from a shop that deals in French brocante (vintage) and antiques.