18th Century Country French Bonnetiere ~ Petite Armoire

18th Century Country French Bonnetiere ~ Petite Armoire is amazingly intact after over two centuries!  The casework has a classical rectilinear design, augmented by the graceful French scrolls of the cabinet door panel That features a stylized violin shape above, and an asymmetrical panel below.  The door is suspended by external brass hinges complemented by the brass key guard, and is flanked by fluted conerposts.  A contoured apron and tailored crown molding complete the effect from the front, but the crown and apron continue on each side, along with three raised & recessed panels for visual appeal from any angle.  Designed to take advantage of narrow spaces between windows, doorways and passageways, such pieces were critical for storage in homes during the days before closets were commonplace.  Interestingly, four shelves remain, creating a total of five interior surfaces for organized storage.  Note the chamfered panels on the back, indicating the quality of the piece and engendering pride of ownership.  Old growth oak assembled with double pegged mortise & tenon joinery was used to ensure this piece could be handed down from generation to generation!
Circa 1770s
Measures 88H x 36.5W x 22.5D