Rare 17th C. French Fireback, Arms of Henri Jules De Bourbon, Prince of Condé

More information coming soon… Hand-carved in 12 pieces of French stone, this fireplace mantel dates to the early- to mid-1600, placing it in the period of Louis XIII. Taken from a ...

This grand and distinctive piece of furniture from Northern Brittany is known as a “buffet malouin” and was created in the late 17th century. These types of cabinets were created for important homes in the historic port city of Saint-Malo. The design, with large octagonal molded panels, double colonettes, and finely cut brass fittings, is unique to other French furniture of the period. The design was directly influenced by the Dutch mariner carpenters living in Saint-Malo at the time (the Dutch beeldenkast cabinet shows similarities) The large four-door cabinet was carved in oak, as was most of the other “malouin” furniture pieces. It is an imposing and impressive piece, standing over 7 feet tall and nearly 7 feet wide. The front of the piece has twisted, double colonettes, multi-profiled cushion-shaped octagonal panels, and finely cut brass key hole escutcheons, drawer pulls, and lozenge plates. There are 3 drawers, 2 of which are full sized, with a smaller drawer in the center. 3 large bun feet along the front hold up the entire piece, while 2 block feet support the rear. Each door has its own functioning key and lock, with a yet another key for the center drawer. Door and drawer panels are solid and impressive old pieces of oak, which still open and close with ease, indicating the quality of construction and great care that this piece has received over the centuries. The “meuble malouin” in the form of a large 4 door buffet is not often easily found. Research shows photos of several models in various states that have come to surface, but they were not nearly pervasive as French case...

17th Century French fireback with the arms of Lorraine. Surrounded by a chain of the Golden Fleece. The symbol of this Order is a small golden fleece of a ram's head and feet, taken ...

French fireback with several Arms of France and Fleurs de Lys (French Lilies). The date of production of the fireback, 1624, is also cast in the fireback. The fireback is made of ca...