Authentic 18th C Parisian Louis XV Period La Forest Signed Hide Wrapped Horse Carriage Trunk Antique Blanket Chest

Details

Description

Patina perfection! A rare and incredible nearly 300 year old French Parisian trunk by La Forest in original condition!

An … Read more Patina perfection! A rare and incredible nearly 300 year old French Parisian trunk by La Forest in original condition!

An early precursor to the exceptional luxury leather artisans Paris is renowned, such as Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Goyard, we present this striking antique hide wrapped wood, iron, and flannel domed carriage travel trunk.

Exquisitely hand-crafted in Paris, France in the first half of the 18th century, during the reign of King Louis XV (1715-1774), showcasing fine quality craftsmanship, construction and luxurious materials, featuring a high quality solid wood frame reinforced with patinated metal mounts and strapwork, finished in raw animal hide binding to the top and front, flanked by hand forged rolled iron carry handles at the sides, slatted back and sturdy plank boarded verso, the narrow rectangular case having a hinged dome shaped top, opening to reveal the extraordinary rare original flannel fabric lined interior, retaining maker's label under lid, signed La Forest. circa 1725

The label reads:
Aux Armes De France
Rue Saint Barthelemy, au bas du Pont-au-change, vis-a-vis l'Horloge du Palais

La Forest, Maitre Coffretier- Malletier ordinaire de la Maifon de Condé : Fait & vend touted Fortescue de Coffres, Malles, Valifes, Etuis de Chapeaux, Fourreaux de Piftolets, Malles de Rouffi, & autres Marchandifes concernantles Voyages, Cantins, Caves, Malles de Lits, Coffres a Vaiffelles, Paniers de Bagages, & toutes Fortescue d'Equipages d'Armees. Le tout a jufte prix
A Paris

Translated:
Street Saint Barthelemy, at the bottom of Pont-au-change, opposite the Palace Clock

La Forest, Master Boxmaker - Ordinary Trunkmaker of the House of Condé: Makes & sells all Fortescue of Chests, Trunks, Valifes, Hat Cases, Piftolet Scabbards, Rouffi Trunks, & other Merchandise concerning Travel, Canteens, Cellars, Trunks of Beds, Dish Chests, Luggage Baskets, & all Army Crew Forts. Everything at a fair price
In Paris

Dimensions: (approx)
16" High, 38" Wide, 18" Deep

*Additional photos available upon request

Condition:
A superb museum quality example in great original unrestored antique condition.

Presents splendidly with beautifully aged warm rustic heavily worn distressed patina. Wear consistent with three centuries of age and use, including patinated oxidized metal, dried leather animal hide with minor tears, craquelure and losses, overall nothing that detracts from the display or functionality but only adds to the sophisticated antique character, elegant warmth, and rich historical depth that can only be acquired over very long periods of time!


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Keywords:
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