An early-20th-century French wooden advertising box for Chocolat de l'Union, Lyon, featuring crisp printed typographic branding on the exterior top, interior lid, and front panel. Constructed with pine sides joined by fine finger-jointing, a flat composite lid and base, brass back hinges, and an authentic side-pivoting hook latch on the front.

Historical & Style Details

• Brand / Maker: Chocolat de l'Union (Lyon, France)
• Period: Early 20th Century
• Origin: France
• Material / Technique: Pine wood frame with finger joints, board top and bottom, printed typography, brass hardware
• Markings: Printed "CHOCOLAT DE L'UNION LYON" to exterior lid, interior lid; "L'UNION" printed to front panel; handwritten "LAINES" in blue pencil to side panel
• Condition: Good vintage condition with surface scuffs, light edge wear, minor toning to wood, and historic handwritten inscription from domestic reuse

History

Chocolat de l'Union was a notable French confectionery firm operating in Lyon, known for supplying French grocers with high-quality chocolate bars and cocoa products. Sturdy wooden display boxes such as this were produced to showcase products in retail shops and were routinely kept and repurposed in homes for organizing supplies like yarn and haberdashery—as reflected in the handwritten "LAINES" (wools) on this example.