Pair of slim marble topped mahogany chests with original brass fittings.

Circa 1950.

H 119cm x W 49cm x D 33cm

A Louis Vuitton LV Monogram jewellery case of elongated rectangular form, brass mounted and dating to the second half of the twentieth century, circa 1975.

The exterior is finished in the classic Louis Vuitton monogram canvas with brass corner mounts and fittings. The leather carry handle is secured with riveted mounts, each stamped Louis Vuitton. The front retains the traditional Louis Vuitton brass lock engraved LV, Louis Vuitton, Made in France, with the registration number 1291090 surrounding the escutcheon.

Opening the case reveals a fully fitted suede and cushioned interior. The upper removable tray is fitted with partitioned compartments and ring or cufflink bands. Beneath this sits a second removable tray with divided sections, leading to a larger storage compartment below.

To the rear of the fitted trays is the original miniature vanity case with internal mirror. The interior of the lid retains the original Louis Vuitton label numbered 1074647.

A well preserved Louis Vuitton jewellery case retaining its original fittings, label, and fitted interior, representing classic late twentieth century Louis Vuitton travel design.

Carved from a single block of hardwood, most likely Iroko (Milicia excelsa / Milicia regia), and densely ornamented with brass upholstery studs, this sculptural Ngombe stool is a powerful example of late 19th-century Central African prestige furniture. The form is compact and architectural, with a gently concave seat supported by a continuous curved base, creating a low, muscular silhouette characteristic of Ngombe seating. The surface is articulated with hand-hammered brass studs arranged in graduated densities, producing a subtle, almost topographical rhythm across the seat, sides and front. Areas of exposed wood form deliberate geometric reserves, providing visual contrast and emphasising the sculptural mass of the stool. The brass has developed a deep, warm patina, with traces of verdigris in recesses, consistent with age, handling and long-term oxidation. Among the Ngombe and neighbouring groups of the Lower Congo region, such stud-decorated stools were associated with authority, status and lineage. The use of imported brass, a valued and controlled material in the 19th century, further underlines the prestige of the object. Stools of this type were not utilitarian furniture in the Western sense but functioned as symbols of rank, used by chiefs, elders and individuals of social importance, and often displayed rather than routinely sat upon. The underside reveals early repair, including a hand-cut wooden brace and iron straps, indicative of a period repair carried out prior to the Second World War. These interventions are themselves part of the object’s history, reflecting continued use and cultural value rather than later restoration for the market. The presence of an old split in the wood, stabilised by these early repairs, is entirely consistent with age and material. Comparable Ngombe studded stools from the late 19th century are held in major museum collections, including the Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren. Examples of this quality, scale and density of stud decoration are scarce.

The stool is structurally stable. There is a visible age-related split to the body of the wood, which has been stabilised by an early, pre-war repair using original wood bracing and iron strapwork to the underside. The studs show surface wear, oxidation and patination consistent with age, with occasional minor losses and verdigris deposits. The wood exhibits surface wear, abrasions and tonal variation throughout, all commensurate with use and age. No evidence of modern restoration.

Matched pair of 19th Century plate racks in original grey paint from Halsingland,  Sweden.

From our Accessories collection, we are pleased to offer this Black Forest fox and hound hand carved bookslide from a private collection, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1910.

The linden wood book slide, also known as an adjustable book end, features a central sliding mechanism allowing the width to be altered to accommodate books of varying sizes. The carved base is decorated with scrolling foliate detail and supports two finely carved animal figures. One side depicts a fox perched upon a log, while the opposing side features a hound seated in a similar pose.

The bookslide is fitted with hinged ends, allowing the figures to fold flat for storage when not in use. Both practical and decorative, this is a strong example of early 20th century Black Forest carving with clear attention to form, proportion, and detail.

53cm Wide fully extended.

For further information on this Black Forest carving please click here.

One of one thousand trunks produced exclusively for the Encyclopaedia Britannica

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From our Boxes collection, we are pleased to offer this rare Louis Vuitton Encyclopaedia Britannica Library Trunk dating to the early twentieth century, circa 1911.

The trunk is of elongated rectangular form and is finished in the iconic Louis Vuitton monogram canvas, secured with brass rivets, reinforced brass corner mounts, and the original Louis Vuitton lock plate. The interior is fitted with four partitioned compartments, purpose made to house twenty nine volumes of the eleventh edition Encyclopaedia Britannica, which remain present within the trunk. Each compartment is precisely sized, allowing the volumes to sit securely and evenly.

The Encyclopaedia Britannica eleventh edition was first published in 1910 and represents one of the most comprehensive and influential general knowledge encyclopaedias ever produced, containing approximately 28,000 pages and more than 40,000 articles. The trunk was commissioned a year ahead of release in 1910 by the encyclopaedia’s publisher, associated with Cambridge University, with an order placed for one thousand examples to facilitate delivery of the newly revised edition to subscribers.

Each trunk was specially made by Louis Vuitton to transport the complete set of volumes, reflecting the firm’s expertise in producing bespoke library and institutional trunks during the early twentieth century. Although one thousand trunks were originally commissioned, surviving examples are now scarce, with many lost to damage and time, making this an increasingly rare and sought after Louis Vuitton model.

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Literature

100 Legendary Trunks – Louis Vuitton 253 Library Trunk, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Cambridge, 1911.

Reference

For another complete example see Christies Sale 23508 Lot 41

For further information on this Louis Vuitton Trunk click here.

Rare Louis Vuitton wardrobe hat trunk with original fitted interior, made in Paris, retailed in London’s Bond Street Maison featuring leather trim, brass hardware and rich patina.

61cm wide

53cm high

43cm deep

Cast Iron French Safe or Strong Box

From our Boxes collection, we are pleased to offer this French Safe Cast Iron Strong Box by Bauche.

The Safe of rectangular form made from cast iron with extensive riveting and twin loop handles. The safe has two escutcheon covers to the front, the left is the genuine lock which turns to reveal the keyhole and the right is a dummy for symmetry. The top of the box is fitted with a plaque that reads in French Incombustible Systeme Bauche Brevete S.G.D.G usine A Gueux Marne (Incombustible System Bauche Patented S.G.D.G factory A Gueux Marne). The interior of the safe has been lined in a gunmetal grey cushioned velvet to give cushioning to your most treasured objects. Has Key and fully working lock.

The French Safe dates to the second half of the 19th century during the reign of Napoleon III circa 1865.

Henry Bauche

Bauche Safes was founded in 1864 by Henri Bauche and became renowned for its advanced fireproof safe construction, using seamless iron chambers filled with refractory material. Known for exceptional strength and reliability, Bauche’s designs set new standards for fire protection in the nineteenth century. The company later merged with Fichet, combining two leading traditions in secure lock engineering and fire resistant technology. Today Bauche safes are prized for their robust build and historic significance in the evolution of security design.

Mid-Century Modern Red Lacquered Room Divider, Italy, 1960s