A fine antique French Louis XV style bibliotheque (bookcase), or display cabinet made by master ébéniste Schmit & Cie. Hand-crafted of exotic kingwood veneers, matched and cross-banded for dramatic effect. Finely cast bronze ormolu mounts embellish every corner of the facade, the crest with a rocaille and foliate form. The glass paned doors open easily with original key (large silk fringed tassle is included). The interior has nine adjustable shelves and is lined in ivory damask fabric (added at a later date). The cabinet rests on slightly cabriole feet terminating in cast bronze rocaille sabots. Circa 1890-1910
Dimensions: 90"H x 68"W x 18"D

Markings:
Lockplate engraved: SCHMIT 2 R. DE CHARON. PARIS
Reverse of cabinet with ink stamp: A MEUBLEMENTS (faded)..Cie, Paris, 22 Rue de Charonne.

Founded in 1856, Parisian ébénisterie Frédéric Schmit, began producing furniture and decorative arts. In 1874, the firm moved to 20 rue de Charonne and expanded into 22 rue de Charonne in 1876. They exhibited at the Exposition Universelle from 1878 through 1889 where they achieved gold medals in 1878 and 1889. It was around 1889 that the company became known as Schmit et Cie and continued trade into the 20th century.

By carefully designing the piece so that it can be taken apart into easily handled units, the cabinet has remained in nearly pristine condition over more than a century. The crest is affixed with long bolts, these easily spun to release the top, whereby the doors can be removed by simply lifting them off of their hinges. The center is made up of seven individual panels, these locked in with tongue-in-groove joinery and secured with the same long bolts through the base. It is easy to put together, it allows the cabinet to be safely transported.

Very good condition with minor flea-bite chips to veneer around edges in a few spots. Fabric is slightly worn and stretched on sides where shelves tug at the fabric when moved. Shelves are tight due to the fabric being wrapped too thickly around the edges.

#83422