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Description:
This listing is for a 19th Century French Empire Period Mahogany Marble Top Ormolu Mounted Commode, circa 1805. It is a fascinating work of art, constructed in three parts - first the marble, which is extremely heavy at just over an inch thick (1 1/16" thick), the top of the chest with the top drawer, and the bottom of the chest with the lower three drawers.

Lifting the marble reveals the construction of the topmost portion, each of the front corners with a full gallery of hand cut dovetails that lock the top into the thick corners. All of the secondaries are solid oak, joined with large pegged tenons along the frame, this large thick top joining the lower case with thick through-tenon wedged mortise joints - by pulling out the wedge, the tenon drops out of the top portion, freeing it from the lower case. This lifts away from the case as long as the columns are not nailed at the top.

The top drawer features the most incredible gilt ormolu mounts, cast with stunning attention to even the smallest detail. Horizontal curled anthemions flank a seated angel, inscribing in a blank scroll. With wings furled behind, detailed even down to the tiniest feather, the angel rests with legs slightly bent as the robe flows from his legs, a trumpet peering out from behind him. Over either columnar support, gilt ormolu mounts of angels flank the top drawer, the figure on the right peering towards the sky with a globe behind him, the angel on the left sitting on a carefully crafted French Empire chair reading a scroll.
The turned columns on either side rest on square plinths, capped at the top and bottom with gold gilt flamed mounts, finely detailed throughout. Three drawers slide in and out of the case, each hand dovetailed front and back with solid oak secondary woods making up the frame and bottoms. Each drawer has a full dust board separating each from the one below, protecting the contents of each drawer from dust and dirt as the drawers open and close. The pulls on each drawer are original, each round gilt bronze with finely detailed edging and facades; these flank incredibly complex original keyhole escutcheons over original brass keyhole borders.

Throughout the entire case are the most incredible flame mahogany veneers, each glowing through a warm french polish. A commode of this quality does not frequently come available on the market and it is a stunning find for any avid collector of French Empire antique furniture, exceptional in every way and an outstanding compliment to any formal setting.

Measurements:
52" wide x 26 3/8" deep x 35 3/8" high

Antique Furniture
Antique Dressers & Vanities