antique french napoleon iii revival poudreuse writing table c.1860

This is a beautiful antique French Napoleon III marquetry and ormolu mountedPoudreuse or writingtable, circa 1860 in date.

The stunning marquetry lift up top is decorated with musical instruments,flowers and garlands andhas a flap on each side which can be raised and lowered as required. The underside of the top is fitted with a mirror and opens to reveal compartments for jewellery, make up or writing implements.It is beautifully veneered in amboyna, amaranth, birds' eye maple and sycamore with elegantormolu borders and mounts including a plaque depicting Napoleon III.The table stands on elegant turned and reeded legs joined by inlaid H-stretchers.It is a beautiful piece which is going to stand out wherever you choose to place it and can be used as a writingtable or a dressing table.Complete with beautiful original engraved ormolu lock and key.
Condition:In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned and French polished in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.Dimensions in cm:Height 74 x Width 57 x Depth 43Dimensions in inches:Height 2 foot, 5 inches x Width 1 foot, 10 inches x Depth 1 foot, 5 inches
Our reference: 08648
Ormolu -(from French 'or moulu', signifying ground or pounded gold) is an 18th-century English term for applying finely ground, high-caratgoldin amercuryamalgamto an object ofbronze.The mercury is driven off in akilnleaving behind a gold-coloured veneerknown as'gilt bronze'.The manufacture of true ormolu employs a process known as mercury-gilding orfire-gilding, in which a solution ofnitrate of mercuryis applied to a piece ofcopper,brass, or bronze, followed by the application of anamalgamof gold and mercury. The item was then exposed to extreme heat until the mercury burned off and the gold remained, adhered to the metal object.

Width (cm):

57

Height (cm):

74

Depth (cm):

43

Please note that this price may NOT include delivery charges which the seller may charge extra for.

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Regent Antiques Limited

We are one of the UK's premier furniture dealers and have been trading in London for three decades. We specialise in English and Continental furniture, silver, porcelain, and decorative items both antique and contemporary. We exhibit our collection in classy showrooms in our large warehouse very close to the centre of London.

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