E. Dienst Fils Buffets

A fine quality antique French credence cupboard by Eugene Dienst & Fils (active circa 1870-1900) Late 19th century, France, St. Faubourg Saint-Antoine region of Paris, at the time a legendary district renowned for the shops of some of the finest ébénistes (cabinetmakers) in all the world. This remarkable Parisian credence cupboard (dining buffet - sideboard - credenza, originally used for the storing and displaying of plates and for serving at banquets), circa 1880, showcases excellent quality craftsmanship, hand-crafted solid oak construction and profuse hand carved ornamentation, exceptionally executed in medieval Gothic inspired Renaissance era style, one-piece design, having a stepped cornice over dual cabinet doors, each with central portrait plaque among foliated scrollwork arabesques in low and high relief adding distinct three-dimensional qualities, warmth and rich depth. The doors opening to a shelved interior storage compartment, above a single dovetailed drawer with relief shell-form handle. Turned drop-finials flank ornate turned bluster-form column supports adorned in intricate acanthus carvings, rising on a conforming hexagonal platform base where the flowing scrolling foliate carvings continue over stepped molding, having large lower open display shelf against paneled backplate, further rising on sculpted tapering feet. The backside of the case giving a glimpse into the quality with visible hand-cut dovetail joinery. - Signature / Makers Mark / Hallmarked / Blind Stamp: Burn stamped to verso: "AMEUBLEMENTS / E.DIENST & FILS / PARIS / RUE DU FBG ST. ANTOINE 86" Retaining adhesive label to verso: "F. LE GALLAIS & SONS, DEPOSITORIES JERSEY" (Chanel island...