19th Century Mahogany Cartographic Display Cabinet with Drop-Front Viewing Table

Details

Description

An exceptionally rare and highly specialized late 19th century cartographic display cabinet, masterfully crafted in solid mahogany and likely of … Read more An exceptionally rare and highly specialized late 19th century cartographic display cabinet, masterfully crafted in solid mahogany and likely of French origin.
Originally commissioned for use in a map and print shop, this unique piece was designed to store, present, and examine antique maps, charts, engravings, and works on paper. It represents a remarkable intersection of refined craftsmanship, functional ingenuity, and cartographic history.

The cabinet features a large facet-cut glazed front panel, allowing the foremost map, print, or artwork to be attractively displayed while remaining protected.
The entire front section elegantly folds down to form a horizontal viewing and examination table, enabling maps or artworks to be studied and presented one at a time—an intelligent and sophisticated solution predating modern archival display systems.

The upper lid opens upward, revealing generous interior storage designed to hold multiple works upright.
The cabinet retains its original, fully functioning lock, a rare and highly desirable feature.
It stands on finely shaped legs connected by stretchers, providing excellent stability during use and reflecting the restrained elegance characteristic of high-quality late 19th century French commercial furniture.

While originally conceived for cartographic use, this cabinet is exceptionally well suited for contemporary applications.
It offers an ideal solution for the storage, presentation, and study of modern and contemporary works on paper, photography, drawings, prints, or mixed-media artworks, making it equally compelling in a private collection, gallery, or refined modern interior.
The dialogue between historic craftsmanship and contemporary art results in a visually striking and intellectually engaging display.

Crafted in richly toned mahogany with a deep, warm patina, the cabinet shows honest and consistent signs of age and use, entirely in keeping with its original function and history (as visible in the photographs).
These traces of use enhance the authenticity and character of the piece and do not detract from its structural integrity or functionality.

Interior Dimensions:
The cabinet offers generous interior capacity suitable for large works on paper.
Maximum interior dimensions:
- Width: 125 cm (49.21 inches)
- Height: 90 cm (35.43 inches)
- Depth: 48 cm (18.90 inches)

Highlights
- Extremely rare cartographic and print display cabinet
- Likely French manufacture, late 19th century (circa 1880–1900)
- Solid mahogany construction with elegant proportions
- Facet-cut glazed display panel
- Drop-front converts into a viewing and presentation table
- Upper lid with original, fully working lock
- Suitable for antique maps as well as contemporary art and works on paper
- Authentic patina and period-appropriate wear
- Museum-quality and highly collectible piece

This cabinet is not merely a piece of furniture, but a functional historical artifact with strong contemporary relevance, offering collectors, designers, and institutions a rare opportunity to integrate historic craftsmanship into a modern curatorial context.

Condition
Good antique condition.
The cabinet retains its original structure, glass, hardware, and fully functioning lock. There are visible signs of age and use consistent with its historical function, including surface wear and patina.
These elements contribute to the authenticity and character of the piece. Please refer to photographs for details. See less