Étagère - Alloy, Iron, Steel

Title

Rare iron table / shelf engraved in gunmaker's style – Western Europe, late 19th / early 20th century

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Description

Refined and scenographic three-tier coffee table made of incised iron and steel, produced in Western Europe between the late 19th century and the early decades of the 20th century, attributable to the historicist production in the field of armory and hunting.

The artifact is distinguished by:
Three shield-shaped panels in heavy metal, richly hand-engraved with heraldic motifs, facing animals, weapon trophies, and plant-like decorations.
A load-bearing structure made of elements inspired by gun barrels and rifle butts, assembled decoratively, according to a practice widespread among armorer workshops and artistic studios of the late nineteenth century.
Finely crafted details also on the structural vertical parts, with great attention to detail.
Solid and balanced construction, designed as a statement piece for display.

These objects were intended for studies, armories, libraries, hunting clubs, or noble residences, as decorative furnishings of prestige, inspired by Renaissance aesthetics.

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Epoca

Late 19th century – early 20th century (circa 1880–1920)

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Production area (stylistic attribution)

Western Europe, probably northern Italy (Brescia / Gardone Val Trompia area) or the Franco-Belgian area, historically active in arms production and in creating decorative furnishings inspired by military themes.

Attribution based on style, engraving techniques, and construction type; no visible factory mark is present.

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Materials

Iron and steel, hand-engraved.

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Dimensions
Height: 79 cm
Width: 37 cm
• Depth: 31 cm

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Peso

Approximately 10 kg

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Condition

Good overall preservation, with original patina and signs of aging consistent with the age.
No structural breaks are detected. The engravings are clearly legible.
The object has not undergone invasive restorations.