Scribanne Library Commode In Solid Mahogany, 18th Century Nantes Work

Exceptional scribanne bookcase chest of drawers with two solid mahogany bodies. The central part opens with a flap retained by iron calipers and reveals a strongly curved interior with 12 small drawers framing two secret lockers on either side of a tabernacle. The curved lower part opens with three drawers, the upper one with two boxes. The upper part, with two glass doors with cross beams embellished with large relief moldings, is surmounted by a curved cornice. The low crosspieces are molded and scalloped and it rests on four small volute feet. All the backgrounds are in original oak. The typically Nantes flame-shaped keyholes and the bronze hinges of the upper part are original, the entrances and pulling rings of the central and lower parts are posterior, the callipers and all the iron locks are original. . Very good state of conservation, of a remarkable quality of execution, the mahogany panels used are of a single plank whether for the sides, the fronts of the drawers or the flap, the entire panels of the sides of the central part with undulating moldings are worked in the mass !!! This exceptional piece of furniture perfectly symbolizes the purity and elegance without excess of 18th century Nantes furniture. Acquired by Mr. Louis MALFOY on October 18, 1992, the year of the publication of his book, at the Talma auction room in Nantes, he had also kindly helped write the description. It reappeared on December 3, 2013 at the Mercorde auction room in Nantes when part of the furniture from the MALFOY estate was dispersed, see photos. Mr. Louis MALFOY was the author of the book `` Le furnitures de port '' published by the amateur published in 1992, a book which refers to the port furniture of Nantes with that of Madame Françoise MAILLET `` Le décor Nantais de l '' 18th century shipowner '' published in 1984.