Object Description
This is a stunning antique French Louis Revival ormolu mounted walnut and marquetry inlaid display cabinet, circa 1920 in date.
The cabinet features a shaped top and has impressive and ornate ormolu mounts. The body is rectangular shaped with a glazed ormolu mounted door with glazes sides and features three fantastic floral marquetry panels.
The interior is lined with the rich original violet velvet fabric which beautifully compliments the cabinet.
Complete with the original working lock and key.
Ormolu (from French ‘or moulu’, signifying ground or pounded gold) is an 18th-century English term for applying finely ground, high-carat gold in a mercury amalgam to an object of bronze.The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold-coloured veneer known as ‘gilt bronze’.
The manufacture of true ormolu employs a process known as mercury-gilding or fire-gilding, in which a solution of nitrate of mercury is applied to a piece of copper, brass, or bronze, followed by the application of an amalgam of 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.
No true ormolu was produced in France after around 1830 because legislation had outlawed the use of mercury. Therefore, other techniques were used instead but nothing surpasses the original mercury-firing ormolu method for sheer beauty and richness of colour. Electroplating is the most common modern technique. Ormolu techniques are essentially the same as those used on silver, to produce silver-gilt (also known as vermeil).
Condition:
In excellent condition. As antique items, the pieces show signs of use commensurate with age, these minor condition issues are mentioned for accuracy and, as seen in the accompanying photographs, they display beautifully.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 163 cm x Width 77 cm x Depth 41 cm
Dimensions in inches:
Height 5 foot, 4 inches x Width 2 foot, 6 inches x Depth 1 foot, 4 inches
Our reference: A3849