18th Century French Louis XV Walnut & Burlwood Bressan Vaisselier Clock Cabinet

$18,000

About

Bring remarkable provincial craftsmanship and architectural presence into a dining room or breakfast room with this important antique French “Buffet à Horloge” from the Bresse region near Lyon, France, circa 1760. Handcrafted entirely of walnut and richly figured burl walnut, the monumental two-piece vaisselier combines practical storage with the elegance of a traditional longcase clock cabinet.
The upper section is crowned with a graceful bonnet top housing the original clock behind a molded glass door. The enamel dial with Roman numerals is framed by a decorative brass surround topped with the iconic Gallic rooster finial. Beneath, a central violin-form clock case door showcases beautifully matched burlwood panels framed by molded walnut trim. Open plate racks flank each side, designed to display faience, porcelain, or copper, while carved side doors conceal additional shelving for storage. The original red-painted interior creates a striking contrast against the warm honey-toned walnut surface.
The lower buffet stands on elegant scroll feet over a scalloped apron carved with shell motifs in the Louis XV taste. Three paneled cabinet doors open to spacious interior shelving, while four drawers across the facade retain their original forged iron pulls and escutcheons. Fine molded panels, shaped doors, and beautifully grained walnut throughout highlight the cabinet’s exceptional regional craftsmanship.
The clock movement has been checked and cleaned and is in good working order, chiming on the hour and half hour. Pendulum, two weights, winding key, and cabinet keys are included. This antique Bressan vaisselier remains in excellent condition commensurate with age and use and adorns a rich walnut patina throughout.
Dimensions: 78.5”W x 22.5”D x 110.5”H

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