Empire-period mahogany and gilt bronze cabinet for secrets, collector's piece

Rare mahogany and ormolu cabinet with ormolu-ringed columns. It opens with a cupboard and a large drawer at the bottom, and a cupboard with two doors lined with blown-glass panes at the top. Beautifully decorated with chased and gilded mercury bronzes, lock escutcheons adorned with putti and young Bacchus, and a large gilded bronze lyre. Empire period, early 19th century, circa 1810.

Our piece of furniture was commissioned. In addition to its original format and the quality of its gilded bronzes, it is characterized by the presence of secret compartments: a hidden cavity in the left-hand side that can only be opened through a concealed opening by removing the central drawer. Underneath the top tray is another cavity accessible by lifting the top tray. Made in Paris entirely from oak, in the style of Molitor, who produced furniture of this quality with secret compartments.

A rare piece of furniture, ideal for completing an Empire décor with a unique piece not seen on others. Ideal for displaying a collection of porcelain, or antique weapons; the top and bottom interiors have been sheathed in silk gourgouran (Soie Fontenay, Champagne color by Tassinari et Chatel).

It is in excellent condition, with new stamped varnish and some old veneering. The mercury gilding is perfectly preserved. The silk is clean, with minor marks on the floor of the upper part, due to the display of Empire-period collector's pistols. Almost insignificant, but we prefer to point it out.

Width: 93cm
Height: 145.5cm
Depth: 55.5cm

Ref: WDCBGFACLR