Antique French Louis Philippe Biedermeier Flame Mahogany & Marble Chest of Drawers (Circa 1850)

This is a fine quality antique French chest of drawers / commode, with Louis Philippe & Biedermeier styling, constructed with stunning flame mahogany timbers, retaining its original variegated grey and white marble top, circa 1850, in excellent original condition.

Summary:

• Item: French Chest of Drawers / Commode
• Provenance: France
• Circa: 1850
• Style: Louis Philippe / Biedermeier
• Period: 2^nd Empire
• Wood: Mahogany
• Width: 120cm / 47¼” / 3ft 11¼”
• Original variegated grey and white marble – excellent condition
• Stunning flame mahogany drawer fronts
• Five drawers
• Hidden cushion & plinth drawer
• Chestnut lined drawers
• Hand-dovetailed drawer construction
• Brass key escutcheons
• Original working lever locks & key
• Original bracket feet
• Original polish & patination
• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14-day UK returns period

Description:

This is a fine quality antique French chest of drawers / commode, with Louis Philippe & Biedermeier styling, constructed with stunning flame mahogany timbers, retaining its original variegated grey and white marble top, circa 1850, in excellent original condition.  This type of French chest was also known as a “commode”.  The style and design of this chest was influenced by the Biedermeier period in Europe, which reflected French Empire styling.  This style of French chest was designed without drawer handles in order to accentuate its clean simple lines.  The drawers were designed to be pulled open by its key.  Comprising of a solid frame, with a stunning quality free-standing marble top, there is a secret cushion fronted drawer below the marble, with four further large drawers underneath.  There is also a secret plinth drawer at the base of the chest.  Most French Biedermeier chests usually contain four drawers, so this is a more superior chest, with the additional drawer.

The drawer fronts are decorated with stunning mirror-matched flame mahogany timbers.  The drawers retain the original lever locks, key escutcheons and a working key.  The drawer linings are made from solid chestnut and constructed with hand-dovetailed joints.  The sides of the French chest are constructed from mahogany and the back of the chest retains its original pine backboards.  The French chest of drawers / commode incorporates elegant curved corners, with fine mouldings to the frame and original bracket feet.

As the French chest of drawers / commode boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received.

This French commode would look superb in a variety of rooms in the home, especially the bedroom, as it provides so much storage space.  This item would certainly grace any home.  So don’t miss out your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.

History of Biedermeier Furniture:

Biedermeier furniture is admired for quality craftsmanship and comfort. Original early 19th century Biedermeier furniture was manufactured to be publicly displayed, with less concern for convenience and private enjoyment. Biedermeier upholstery makes extensive use of coil-springs.  Biedermeier furniture design was purchased or commissioned by the prosperous middle class to celebrate comfort and leisure.

Middle to late-Biedermeier furniture design represented a heralding towards historicism and revival eras long sought for.  Social forces originating in France would change the artisan-patron system that achieved this period of design, first in the German states, and then into Scandinavia. The middle-class growth originated in the Industrial Revolution in Britain and many Biedermeier designs owe their simplicity to Georgian lines of the 19th century, as the proliferation of design publications reached the loose German states and Austria-Hungary.

The Biedermeier style was a simplified interpretation of the influential French Empire style of Napoleon I, which introduced the romance of ancient Roman Empire styles, adapting these to modern early 19th century households. Biedermeier furniture used locally available materials such as cherry, ash, and oak woods rather than the expensive timbers such as fully imported mahogany.

Unique designs were created in Vienna. Furniture from the earlier period (1815–1830) was the most severe and neoclassical in inspiration. It also supplied the most fantastic forms which the second half of the period (1830–1848) lacked, being influenced by the many style publications from Britain. Biedermeier furniture was the first style in the world that emanated from the growing middle class.  It preceded Victoriana and influenced mainly German-speaking countries.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biedermeier

Source: https://www.visitingvienna.com/culture/biedermeier/

Condition Report:

This is a fine quality antique French chest of drawers / commode, with Louis Philippe & Biedermeier styling, constructed with stunning flame mahogany timbers, retaining its original variegated grey and white marble top, circa 1850, in excellent original condition.  The French chest retains its original marble top, which is in excellent condition, with no damage or cracks.  Nominal old use to the leading edges and drawer fronts, but nothing significant considering the age of the item.  The dovetailed chestnut lined drawers are smooth running and close flush to the frame.  They also feature the original brass escutcheons, lever locks with the original working keys.  French chest of drawers / commode retains its original bracket feet and backboards.   As the French chest boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic rich colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received.  This French chest of drawers / commode is solid in joint and ready to use.

Dimensions:

Height (Including Marble) = 102cm / 40⅛” / 3ft 4⅛”

Height (Excluding Marble) = 99.5cm / 39⅛” / 3ft 3⅛”

Marble Thickness = 2.5cm / 1”

Width (Marble) = 120cm / 47¼” / 3ft 11¼”

Width (Plinth) = 116.5cm /45⅞” / 3ft 9⅞”

Depth (Marble) = 56cm / 22” / 1ft 10”

Depth (Plinth) = 54cm / 21¼”

Terms & Conditions:

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Ref. 113557