Antique French Miniature Armoire/Cabinet

It is a very solid, heavy piece made of cherry wood. It stands on four turned ball feet as is typical of larger armoire of the period. There is a large bottom drawer (9"x 2 1/4" x 2" deep) with a very fancy metal handle. There are two doors which have amazing metal hinges in the most intricate of ornamentation style. There is a fancy metal lock (with key but lock is not working).

The doors open up to reveal three large interior drawers with fancy metal handles. The hinges of the doors are exact replicas of larger armoire of the period. The top drawer is large (9" x 2 3/4" x 2 3/4" deep) with no separator, the two drawers below (same size as the top)have an off center separation panel. The crown of the piece slopes upward with fine molding and finish work. There is a square door at the top which opens to reveal a "vide poche" (ring, change holder etc.).

It survives in very good antique condition. The back left foot has an old repair (as is typical with age the small feet will split do to the weight of the cabinet. The repair is still sound and the foot original to the piece). The lock is not working as mentioned above. Otherwise the piece is in exceptional condition. The cabinet/armoire measures: 15 1/2" tall, 8 1/2" deep and 11" wide.

The careful workmanship of the cabinet (the layers of molding), the elaborate metal pulls and unusually elaborate hinges indicate the fineness of this example. It would have been originally sold in a very expensive store which specialized in this type of cabinet.

It is an exceptional and unique miniature example.

Item ID: MT589