MENIER chocolate (Noisiel),circa 1900, tin box and paper cover . Good condition, oxidation, a tear on the right side. 16.5 x 10.6 x 6.6 cm. representing the little girl Yvonne signed Firmin Bouisset. In 1825, Jean-Antoine-Brutus Menier acquired the Noisiel mill, and in 1853 Émile-Justin Menier took over the management of the factory and built up the Menier empire. His success earned him the nickname "Baron Cocoa". His three sons, Henri, Gaston and Albert, went on to become owners of the company. Appointed president of the Union des chocolatiers et des confiseurs de France in 1882, Gaston took sole charge of the Menier establishments in 1913, after the death of his brothers. He forged a worldwide reputation for the brand, but his heirs became increasingly disinterested in industrial production. The company was finally bought out in 1965 by the Ufico-Perrier group.1988 buyout by Nestlé (source: archives.seine-et-marne.fr)