catalog text
FRENCH BRONZE, BRASS AND GLASS DISPLAY CABINET
Circa early 20th century | unmarked
Item # 405KPI03A
A very sleek and stylish display cabinet from the early years of the twentieth century, it features a remarkable build quality with very fine machining work throughout. The cabinet originally sat on feet that were threaded into the underside, those absent when we acquired the cabinet and we contracted with an artisan to have these fabulous elongated spheroid feet machined to perfectly match the cabinet aesthetic. They were made using solid brass and adjustable shelf supports were designed for the shelving at the same time.
The surface of the cabinet is probably bronze that has been dipped in copper and then plated in brass, much of this having worn away to reveal three surfaces with the accompanying patina that only time and natural wear can give. It is chaotic and quite lovely.
The heavy glazed door opens to reveal the adjustably shelved interior with mirrored plate on the back, top and bottom.
This is a fabulous strikepoint piece - a display case for displaying cherished collections that immediately commands your attention - and its aged but austere aesthetic allow it to meld into both traditional and modern settings, bringing some much needed historical surface in an otherwise undistracted form.
Measurements: 68 1/2" H x 14 3/8" D x 36 1/2" W
Condition Report:
Newly machined solid brass turned ball feet - feet have been very lightly patinated to match the aesthetic of the cabinet; newly machined solid brass shelf supports; extensive wear to the plated layers of brass and copper on the solid bronze frame, creating a variated and chaotic surface. Glass shelves with minor chipping and wear, silvering loss to the mirror plates. No key. A fine presentation.