Mahogany Coal Bin With Marquetry. Early 20th Century.

An elegant mahogany and mahogany-veneered coal cabinet for an apartment, dating from the early 20th century, likely around 1900–1920.

This small piece of furniture, as decorative as it is functional, was designed to store a supply of coal near a fireplace or stove, while concealing it within a cabinet that blended harmoniously with the furnishings of a bourgeois interior.

The front and top are embellished with a delicate design of light wood fillets and marquetry. The door features a beautiful radiating marquetry rosette in the center, echoed by small motifs in the spandrels. The top is also adorned with a stylized marquetry motif.

Beautiful Louis XVI-style brass drop-down handle.

The front panel tilts open to reveal its original metal coal bin, complete with side handles. A nice touch: the coal bin has also retained its small antique coal shovel with a wooden handle, visible in the photographs.

The piece rests on four tapered legs ending in small casters, which once made it easy to move it close to the fireplace.

A charming piece of household furniture that has now become an original decorative object, which can also be repurposed as a small side table, end table, or storage unit.

Period: early 20th century, circa 1900–1920
Materials: mahogany and mahogany veneer, light wood marquetry, brass, and metal
Condition: generally good condition, with some signs of wear and tear consistent with its age. Note: the right side is slightly lighter in color. Interior tray and dustpan included.