Napoleon III Boulle Liquor Cabinet by Cristallerie Du Pantin, Set of 20

Details

Description

A superb and highly decorative napoleon iii-period cave à liqueur, dating to approximately 1855, complete with its original working key … Read more A superb and highly decorative napoleon iii-period cave à liqueur, dating to approximately 1855, complete with its original working key and an important cristallerie du pantin glass decanter bearing its original label.

this magnificent french second empire liqueur cellar is an exceptional statement piece for a drinks cabinet, bar or collection of antique decorative arts. Combining elaborate boulle-style marquetry with engraved glassware and finely executed metal fittings, it represents the luxury and sophistication associated with the napoleon iii period.

the cabinet is constructed with ebonised pearwood veneer and richly decorated with brass, bronze and mother-of-pearl marquetry. The interior is fitted with a mahogany lining and houses a liqueur service comprising four decanters and sixteen glasses, arranged within a removable handled tray.

the cabinet has a serpentine front with two opening doors, substantial brass hinges and fittings, and decorative marquetry panels and medallions.

the four glass decanters are beautifully engraved with floral decoration and retain their original blown-glass stoppers, each numbered.

particularly desirable is the original cristallerie du pantin label still attached to one of the decanters, providing valuable provenance for the glassware.

the matching glasses are also engraved with floral decoration and sit neatly within the removable presentation tray. Two glasses are plain replacements made in a matching style.

the combination of the elaborate boulle-inspired cabinet, engraved french glass, original label and working lock makes this an unusually attractive example of a mid-19th-century french liqueur cellar.

it would make a magnificent display piece in a traditional drinks cabinet or library and is equally appealing to collectors of napoleon iii furniture, antique glass and luxury objets d'art.

the original key is present and functional. The lock operates with a double turn. When closing the cabinet, the right-hand split stay bar needs to be gently squeezed together so that it can slide down correctly. This mechanism acts as a support to prevent the doors and lid from falling when open. The key and closing mechanism should not be forced.

measurements

length: 32.5 cm (12.79 in.)
width: 24.5 cm (9.64 in.)
height: 26.5 cm (10.43 in.)

contents

four engraved glass decanters/carafes with original stoppers
sixteen liqueur glasses, including two plain replacement glasses
removable handled presentation tray
original working key

condition

very good overall antique condition for its age, with the expected wear associated with approximately 170 years of age and use.

the exterior woodwork and marquetry show age-related wear, while the interior remains well preserved. The decanters are clean and clear internally with only light evidence of previous use.

there is one small chip to the base edge of one liqueur glass.

the cabinet has two cracks to the top woodwork, consistent with the natural drying and movement of antique timber over a long period. These do not detract significantly from its impressive overall appearance.

the original key is present and works correctly.

research notes – cristallerie du pantin

the pantin glassworks was an important french producer of glass and crystal during the 19th century. A glass factory was established at 84 rue de paris, pantin, in the mid-19th century and subsequently developed into a significant centre of production.

eugène monot became associated with the works during the 19th century, and the factory expanded considerably, producing tableware, toilet services, decorative glass, art glass and industrial glass.

its productions were exhibited at major french industrial exhibitions and became recognised for both technical and artistic quality.

the cristallerie du pantin is particularly interesting to collectors because of its finely engraved and decorated glassware. The surviving original label on one of the decanters is therefore an especially attractive feature of this set.

research notes – napoleon iii period

napoleon iii ruled france from 1852 to 1870, and the second empire period was characterised by lavish interiors, elaborate decorative arts and a strong revival of historic styles.

boulle-inspired marquetry, gilded metalwork, mother-of-pearl decoration and luxurious fitted cabinets were particularly fashionable among the wealthy elite.

this cave à liqueur perfectly embodies that taste, combining luxurious materials, intricate decoration and a purpose-built interior for entertaining.

a rare and highly decorative mid-19th-century french liqueur cellar with engraved glassware, a cristallerie du pantin label and its original working key — an impressive collector's piece and a genuine statement cabinet. See less