Display case - Wood, Glass - Column Display Cabinet





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Three‑sided Neoclassical Directory style column display cabinet dating from circa 1900–1910, made of wood with glass panels, 130 cm high, 70 cm wide and 38 cm deep, weighing 28.2 kg, in used condition with probable small missing pieces.
Description from the seller
Column Display Cabinet in Directoire Neoclassical Style (Early 1900s)
Charming modular display cabinet for center or wall, characterized by slender proportions and elegant geometric decorative motifs. Because of its three glazed sides, the piece is ideal as a collection showcase for silverware, crystal, medals, or precious volumes.
Technical and Construction Specifications
- Structure and Veneers: The cabinet is made of solid wood and veneered in fine hardwood (likely walnut or blond mahogany), featuring a warm vertical grain that is mirrored on the front stiles (DSC_0001.JPG). The rear closing panel is in contemporaneous plywood (DSC_0004.JPG).
- Inlay Work: The profile of the single large front door is enriched by a refined inlaid filet with a herringbone pattern (bicolored wolf-tooth or fishbone motif) in contrasting woods (maple/cedar and stained wood), which adds depth and geometric rigor to the structure (DSC_0001.JPG).
- Glazing: It features three glazed display sides. The side panes are set in fixed rebates (DSC_0003.JPG), while the front glass is mounted on the opening door. All glass appears intact, without runs or chips.
- Interior: The inner compartment is divided by two solid removable shelves, creating three spacious display levels. The interior finish retains the natural wood luster (DSC_0005.JPG, DSC_0008.JPG).
- Supports: The piece rises on four elegant needle feet (cone-like trunks) with a square cross-section and an upper constriction (collar), a decorative element typical of the Directoire/Neoclassical style, which elongates the silhouette while ensuring stability (DSC_0001.JPG, detail in DSC_0015.JPG).
- Hardware: Presence of a plain brass mouthpiece for the lock (DSC_0001.JPG).
Detailed Condition Analysis
The cabinet is in good overall structural and aesthetic condition, solid and ready to be placed in an environment. However, being an antique piece, it shows normal signs of wear and small age- and use-related flaws, accurately documented in the macro images:
Front and Bottom Profile: There is a set of shallow scratches and linear abrasions on the glossy wood finish, located on the lower crosspiece beneath the glazed door, toward the right corner (DSC_0014.JPG and DSC_0035.JPG). These scratches have removed the surface layer of varnish/luster but do not compromise the wood’s stability (easily mitigated with restoration wax).
Internal Shelves: The inner base panel shows very light rubbing scratches and contact marks from stored objects over time, with a normal light patina (DSC_0019.JPG, DSC_0022.JPG).
Legs and Base: The legs show small traces of antique dust and minor surface cracking of the varnish near the feet, consistent with regular floor cleaning over the years (DSC_0015.JPG).
Seller's Story
Column Display Cabinet in Directoire Neoclassical Style (Early 1900s)
Charming modular display cabinet for center or wall, characterized by slender proportions and elegant geometric decorative motifs. Because of its three glazed sides, the piece is ideal as a collection showcase for silverware, crystal, medals, or precious volumes.
Technical and Construction Specifications
- Structure and Veneers: The cabinet is made of solid wood and veneered in fine hardwood (likely walnut or blond mahogany), featuring a warm vertical grain that is mirrored on the front stiles (DSC_0001.JPG). The rear closing panel is in contemporaneous plywood (DSC_0004.JPG).
- Inlay Work: The profile of the single large front door is enriched by a refined inlaid filet with a herringbone pattern (bicolored wolf-tooth or fishbone motif) in contrasting woods (maple/cedar and stained wood), which adds depth and geometric rigor to the structure (DSC_0001.JPG).
- Glazing: It features three glazed display sides. The side panes are set in fixed rebates (DSC_0003.JPG), while the front glass is mounted on the opening door. All glass appears intact, without runs or chips.
- Interior: The inner compartment is divided by two solid removable shelves, creating three spacious display levels. The interior finish retains the natural wood luster (DSC_0005.JPG, DSC_0008.JPG).
- Supports: The piece rises on four elegant needle feet (cone-like trunks) with a square cross-section and an upper constriction (collar), a decorative element typical of the Directoire/Neoclassical style, which elongates the silhouette while ensuring stability (DSC_0001.JPG, detail in DSC_0015.JPG).
- Hardware: Presence of a plain brass mouthpiece for the lock (DSC_0001.JPG).
Detailed Condition Analysis
The cabinet is in good overall structural and aesthetic condition, solid and ready to be placed in an environment. However, being an antique piece, it shows normal signs of wear and small age- and use-related flaws, accurately documented in the macro images:
Front and Bottom Profile: There is a set of shallow scratches and linear abrasions on the glossy wood finish, located on the lower crosspiece beneath the glazed door, toward the right corner (DSC_0014.JPG and DSC_0035.JPG). These scratches have removed the surface layer of varnish/luster but do not compromise the wood’s stability (easily mitigated with restoration wax).
Internal Shelves: The inner base panel shows very light rubbing scratches and contact marks from stored objects over time, with a normal light patina (DSC_0019.JPG, DSC_0022.JPG).
Legs and Base: The legs show small traces of antique dust and minor surface cracking of the varnish near the feet, consistent with regular floor cleaning over the years (DSC_0015.JPG).

