Lot 289: Antique Continental Tortoiseshell Vitrine on Stand

Continental Baroque red tortoise shell veneered vitrine or display cabinet on stand with gilt bronze mounts. The vitrine features a balustrade top with openwork ormolu cherub and grapevine motif, with cherub finials atop tortoiseshell veneered plinths, over a flat molded cornice and tortoiseshell veneered frieze with ormolu cherub mask. Glass door and sides, opening to two removable glass shelves, all flanked by plain columns with gilt bronze capitals, atop a molded ebonized base. The interior floor of the vitrine features parquetry inlay. The ebonized wood stand is likely later than the vitrine itself and features ball and baluster turned legs joined by a lower x-form serpentine stretcher on four claw and ball feet. The interior of the vitrine is lined in ivory moire silk on the back wall and has an added interior lamp. Vitrine only: 52 in. H x 36 in. W x 22 1/2 in. D. Base: 33 in. H x 32 in. W x 22 in. D. Overall: 85 in. H x 36 in. W x 22 in. D. Vitrine – possibly Dutch or Flemish, 18th century or earlier. Stand: Late 19th century or earlier. 

PROVENANCE: The estate of Dr. Michael Spalding, Nashville, TN.

CONDITION: Vitrine: numerous patches to tortoiseshell veneer, most noticeably at lower edge of door, Several areas of loss to moldings, mostly at lower sides and near back. Interior: some wear and staining to silk lining, loss to parquet “floor”. Stand: open splits to two legs, one repaired split to stretcher. Overall general wear and abrasions.