BY MARTIN-GUILLAUME BIENNAIS

Details

AN EMPIRE BRASS-MOUNTED MAHOGANY COFFRE DE TOILETTE
By Martin-Guillaume Biennais
Of rectangular shape with hinged top centred by a shield monogrammed 'MB', with rounded angles and moulded border, the interior fitted with various crystal and cut-glass containers and perfume bottles of different sizes, some silver gilt lids with the guarantee mark for Paris, 1798-1809, and an eye bath with the large guarantee mark and 800 standard mark for Paris and the mark of Claude-Isaac Bourgoin, Paris, 1798-1809, the interior lined with gilt-tooled leather, with an engraved plaque signed 'Biennais. M. Tab.er Ebeniste, au Singe Violet, Rue Honore N.511.', the sides with sunk handles within a shield cartouche mount, a few items of the fitted interior missing
5½ in. (14 cm.) high, 10 in. (25 cm.) wide, 8 in. (20.5 cm.) deep

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

Martin-Guillaume Biennais (1764-1843) was established in rue Saint-Honoré. Maître Tabletier Ebeniste his workshop was registered under the well known name of 'Au Singe Violet'. Between 1791 and 1802 he was only Tabletier. Under the Empire period he was a well known producer of luxury small games tables, writing boxes, coffres-forts and other travelling goods. He usually signed on the locks as on the coffre de toilette offered here. He also produced furniture in an accomplished Empire style from the beginning of the 19th Century.

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