Object Description
A William IV satinwood display cabinet attributed to Edward Holmes Baldock, the upper section with a marble top and ormolu gallery above two large glazed doors, the lower section in the form of a bureau plat with the original leather inset writing surface and three disguised frieze drawers, all raised upon cabriole legs, decorated overall with floral marquetry in exotic woods including tulipwood, purpleheart and fruitwoods, with superb fire-gilded ormolu mounts including elaborate goddess masks. English, circa 1830.
Footnote: Edward Holmes Baldock, (1777-1845) was one of the first London antique dealers, in the modern sense of the word. He principally dealt in 18th century French furniture and Chinese Export porcelain, and commissioned furniture to compliment his inventory. This furniture has strong French design influences, but retains subtle English details (the floral marquetry often depicts English wildflowers). His clients included the Duke of Buccleuch and George IV. His dispersal sale was in 1843 on his retirement.