14-part Liqueur cellar - Directoire - Brass, Glass, Mahogany - Around 1800

This early 19th century liqueur cellar was manufactured during the Dutch Directoire period around 1800. This short transition period from Louis XVI to Empire lasted from around 1795-1810. And has as (combined) characteristics; inlaid piping, the diamond or star motif and six or eight-edge handles. This sleek, simple and stately shaped liqueur cellar is made up of solid oak wood and glued with mahogany veneer. Especially for the upper & front parts are selected with a very nice (flame) drawing. The inlaid heart-shaped key entrance and star motif above it are from box wood. On both sides are the original (large) eight-sided handles, which are still beautiful in their authentic gilding! On the inside are the original; six decanters, six smaller shot glasses, a serving tray and one of the two larger glasses. All lavishly decorated with refined gold details of ribbons, bow ties and flower & leaf garlands/motifs. At one the golden details are more worn as with the other. Unfortunately, (probably) one of the two glasses in the lid was broken in the past. And the stopper of one of the decanters has been replaced for a matching copy, but it is more white than transparent. The inside is still lined with the original pink silk, which has faded over the centuries, has become spotty and fragile and is coming undone in some places and/or shows cracks. To prevent the warping of the (large) lid, a wrought iron pen was originally placed in both sides, so that after 200+ years the lid is still nicely aligned with the bottom and not curved! There are several old and non-disturbing restorations to the veneer. The brass hinges, the lock and lock eye in the lid are original and has a working key. This unique, stately and chic liqueur cellar has a beautiful deep warm gold orange brown colour and beautiful silk shine! The item will be sent well packed and with insurance!