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French Neoclassical Leather and Mahogany Cartonnier, 19th Century

Offered by: Silla, ltd.

Description
A most unusual and incredibly striking object, this tall case is designed in the Louis XVI taste with a distinct flair of the Neoclassical evident in it’s angular form. The facade is evenly distributed with perfect symmetry in the rectangular gilt-tooled leather faced boxes. These are a dense paperboard construction with a paper lining, the canvas reinforced lower edge allowing the leather covered front to drop easily when released at the top from the spring clip securing each. They open to reveal a tidy interior that would probably be used to store hats, shoes, flat laying clothing or files in an office.

The construction of the case is impeccable, the tight dovetailing of secondary woods supplementing the paneled back of the case; crisp dovetailing of the drawer corners has resulted in a very tight box that moves smoothly in and out of the case at the bottom. Flanking the boxes are canted corners with deep fluting, the upper corners being mounted with cast gilt bronze mounts with acanthus foliage over draped garland - the reverse of these mounts retain the original foundry engraving. Each box retains original pulls, these also stamped verso by the foundry “J.T. 1516”. The whole rests over tapered molded legs terminating in squared gilt bronze sabots.

Measurements: 66 1/2” H x 15” D x 35” W

Condition Report:
Wear/loss to leather of boxes; discoloration to paper lining of most; some edge breaks inside boxes w/ tape strengthening some edges. Old surface blemishes throughout including varnish flaking, light abrasions and age appropriate wear. This probably had a marble top at one point (now absent). Repair to bottommost corner of backboards (over proper right back leg).

More Information

Origin:	France
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Mahogany, Leather
Condition:	Good.
Styles / Movements:	Traditional, Louis XVI, Neoclassical
Dealer Reference #:	611CMB03Q
Incollect Reference #:	258236