19th Century Country French Bonnetiere ~ Petite Armoire

19th Century Country French Bonnetiere ~ Petite Armoire is a delightful expression of the provincial style for which the rural areas of France are so famous.  Hand-crafted from indigenous old-growth oak, it features sturdy pegged mortise & tenon joinery, chamfered panels, and a timeless architecture that starts with the chapeau de gendarme crown on top, so named because of its resemblance to the hats worn by the police centuries ago.  The gracefully arched crown overlooks the bonnet which is carved all across with olive branches emanating from a central stylized shell motif.  The two full length doors below that feature two unadorned panels each, with a magnificently sculpted center divider lavished with olive branches, fruit and ribbon on beautifully contoured framed panels.  Centered are a brace of pierced steel key guards, called ferrures, with outboard-mounted steel barrel hinges mounting the doors which allow them to swing wide open to facilitate easy access to the four surfaces within.  A scrolled apron below centered with a stylized shell, leading the eyes out to the scrolled legs.  The shallow design makes it an efficient piece for a cozy floor plan, yet provides ample storage for anything you desire.  Note the rough-sawn chamfered oak panels on the back side.
Circa 1870s
Measures 77H x 38W x 17D
Available for pickup in Baton Rouge, LA.