catalog text
PAIR OF CARVED GILTWOOD COLLECTOR DISPLAY CABINETS
M. Grieve Co. of New York & London | both marked verso | circa 1910
ref. 411LJT20P
71 7/8" H x 13 3/8" D x 45 1/2" W
A very fine pair of collector cabinets by the famous frame making firm of M. Grieve Co. from the turn of the century, they are built in a single piece and feature an open display cabinet in the upper and a pair of blind-doors in the lower portion that open to reveal pull-out display/storage drawers. The firm's competence as frame makers is on full display in the fabulous giltwood carvings of the upper, these being restrained and tasteful with a thin and elegant frame that nearly disappears against the transparent glass.
It is so rare we find a pair of cabinets that we just immediately fall in love with - these are quite special and also so easy to place in the interior. Each is only 13 3/8" deep, allowing it to be in a space where a deep projection into the room is just not an option. That allows even wide hallways to be a good placement candidate for them. The rich patina throughout each is positively magnetic.
Condition:
Newly fabricated glass doors, shelves and one mirror (all in perfect replication of the originals, which were chipped). Wear to the gilding throughout. Ebonized surface with scuffs and abrasions, as expected. Several feet are replaced. One tiny piece of replaced molding in the door framing. Some cracking and blemish to the tiny quarter-round moldings that hold the glass panes in. Lower doors have a bit of wiggle to them. No keys. Cabinets were at one point electrified, all of that having since been removed - discreet holes allow the cabinet to easily be rewired again. A fine presentation.