Description

This unique, collectible, one-of-a-kind English Mirror Back Parlour Cabinet / Etagere / Sideboard / Display Cabinet has unique fretwork decoration, beautiful carvings, cabriole legs, central drawer and internal shelves, circa 1890, in an excellent condition. The wood is Mahogany, with some ebonized carved top details. Purchased by antique dealers in York, UK. Professionally valued in New Zealand for insurance purposes in 2011 for $3,300, the valuation certificate can be presented. W 122cm, H 227cm, D 37cm Ornaments, vases, figurines, the bust of the lady, coffee & tea set, books, flowers - are not included in this auction. Never was the trend greater than during the Victorian era of the mid- and end- 19th century, a time that saw impressive furniture used for nothing else than to elevate and display gewgaws. Into the parlours came the Etagere. The term is derived from the French word for stage or floor, in the sense of storey. This is a piece of furniture with at least two shelves, perched one above the other, allowing vertical display of objects without taking up much floor space. The Parlour, or Curio cabinet, or Vitrine is indeed related to the Etagere, and the two forms can sometimes be found in one piece of furniture. A Parlour or Curio cabinet is a case piece with a glass door, often with glass-enclosed side panels used to imprison the especially ugly wedding presents. Many parlour / curio cabinets are garnished with an open Etagere top. The top part comes off for transportation. Very unique piece of Antique furniture in an immaculate condition for its age. Please compare with another similar, but definitely less elegant and attractive mirror back cabinet they are currently selling in England for $ 3,394 USD ($5,496 NZD) – see our photo # 19. Please make your decisions: as this Etagere is really rare and exclusive, we are not intending to drop the price even if it's not sold very quickly: will be relisted until sold. Pickup from Kapiti Coast.