Empire Mahogany Display Cabinet with Gilt Bronze Mounts, France, Late 19th Century

Details

Description

A rare and imposing Empire-style display cabinet, crafted in richly grained flame mahogany and adorned with finely cast gilt bronze … Read more A rare and imposing Empire-style display cabinet, crafted in richly grained flame mahogany and adorned with finely cast gilt bronze mounts. This tall and narrow vitrine stands as a striking example of late 19th-century French craftsmanship infused with the aesthetic grandeur of the Retour d’Égypte, a decorative influence inspired by Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign.

The piece features powerful bronze embellishments: Egyptian-style caryatid female busts, a laurel wreath, an imperial eagle in high relief crowning the top, and classic paw feet. Originally reworked by its previous owners into a rifle display cabinet (ratelier), it offers a distinctive and evocative presence, ideal for collectors of militaria, rare instruments, or historical objects.

Dimensions:
Width: 74.5 cm (29.3")
Depth: 41.5 cm (16.3")
Height: 179 cm (70.5")

Internal compartments:
– Lower space: 123 cm (48.4") height
– Upper shelf: 34 cm (13.4") height
An additional shelf is included to adjust vertical spacing as needed.

Features:
Flame mahogany veneer with warm patina
Interior lined in deep red velvet (removable)
Single original glass door
Gilded bronze figures and decorative motifs: laurel crown, eagle, caryatids
Paw feet in cast bronze
Condition: Structurally sound, minor veneer flaws visible in lower left panel (see photos)

Why we love it:
Because it stands proudly at the crossroads of history and design. with its noble proportions and strong decorative vocabulary, this piece is more than furniture—it is a stage for stories, a showcase for passions. Whether used as a collector’s cabinet, gun case, or simply a decorative statement, it brings both gravitas and drama to any interior. See less