Antique Louis XVI Style Plum Pudding and Gilt Bronze Bookcases by Lescalier De Cristal Paris, 1890, Set of 2

Pair of antique Louis XVI style plum pudding & gilt bronze open bookcase cabinets with marble tops. By Maison L'Escalier De Cristal Paris. Maker's stamp to each. Circa 1890-1910.

The bookcases have beautifully shaped Breche d'Alep marble tops above a single drawer. Each with an open adjustable shelf, and cupboard below. Raised on shaped legs, with gilt bronze handles, edgings, corner mounts and apron.

The pair are in excellent condition for their age, showing some light surface marks and vey light knocks in places. They have been wax polished. There is a slight blister to the plum pudding veneer on one door, you should be able to make this out in photograph number 6. The marble tops have some light nicks to the corners, as shown.

The shelves are fully adjustable to the open bookcase and the cupboard. The drawers have dovetail construction and are made of oak. Each drawer has turned drawer stops to ensure they do not fall out. One of the turned pegs is missing to one drawer on one side. The cupboard doors have a newly made key for the locks. The locks are inner stamped, 'Duvivier 77, St. Antoine/Paris.'

Veneered in plum pudding mahogany, with a solid mahogany frame. The backs are in solid oak. Plum pudding mahogany is a rare and highly sought-after variety of mahogany wood, with distinctive swirling patterns and rich colours. It was particularly prized in the decorative arts during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, especially in French Empire period furniture.

Additional dimensions information:

The shelves are 27cm deep The cupboard height is 55cm.