Empire Chest of Drawers, 1820s

Details

Description

Small Empire chest of drawers with special key

France
Walnut
first half of 19th century

Dimensions: H x W x … Read more Small Empire chest of drawers with special key

France
Walnut
first half of 19th century

Dimensions: H x W x D: 92 x 98 x 51 cm

:
French Empire chest of drawers with round feet at the front and square feet at the back. The front feet flank the three lower drawers and also serve as a support for the protruding upper drawer. The solid full columns have finely crafted, gilded bases and capitals.

The front of the furniture is dominated by the exciting grain pattern of the pyramid-shaped walnut veneer laid in mirror image. The finely crafted pull handles and recessed brass key guides contrast beautifully with the wood. These key guides are an absolute rarity, as they are designed here with two instead of just a single spike; and the brass sleeves designed in the shape of a figure of eight are also unusual in this form. The original key is present and wonderfully authentic.

Also worth mentioning is the construction of the drawers, the bottoms and some of the sides of which are made of solid, vividly grained walnut. This detail indicates that the chest of drawers was probably made in a region where walnut wood was cultivated on a regular basis and was therefore available in large quantities.

The top of the piece of furniture is formed by a loose slab of Belgian granite. This is also authentically preserved and still shows the unsanded traces of the hand tools of the time on the back.

Condition:
Very good, restored condition. Stable and suitable for everyday use. The drawers run cleanly and smoothly, the locks work perfectly. The surface has been cleaned and hand-polished with shellac. See less