No doubt it was properly lubricated in its day. With that superlative level of refinement, I don't think they would have made it any less than gliding like a wet soap bar in a tub. It's also possible the wood aged and worked after 200+ years causing the friction.
Wow i didn't think of it. That's a very good historical question. We know all the furniture of Versaille was sold after the revolution. I'm guessing that somebody must have protected this piece or that nobody wanted to buy it and be found owning it later in case the monarchy returned and sought vengeance on those who pillaged Versaille.
I didn't know how classy I was -- before the lockdown, I had been attending various ReUse and second hand places, looking for lamps and furniture simply as a hobby ... 'eye candy'. I would take pix and put them on my FaceBook account for anyone who might want to buy. (I did successfully unite 6 different folks with things they SIMPLY HAD TO HAVE!!!). Anyway, without being told or shown - until just now - I would open the dressers, bureaus, hutches, by staggering the drawers and panels and doors just like the gentleman did in this video. I lack the fancy jacket, though. It's never too-late to pick up hints of the trade, I guess!!
Indeed. Plus, two centuries ago, there were even colors. Roses were pink, violets were blue, leaves were green... Only thanks to that beautiful marquetry or rare wood.
I am sure the bottom drawers had false bottoms, as the bottom was circular and the interior flat. And the upper part must conceal many more compartments.
My ex--husband and I used to go to auctions. We purchased 2 secretaries. Both of them have many hidden drawers. Behind several of the drawers were other drawers and even all the joints of these hidden drawers were dovetailed. It's hard to describe in words all the hidden drawers and beautiful features. We got one of the secretaries refinished and the guy that was doing the work offered to buy it for six times what we paid for it. We didn't sell it. Anyway, people are so much better off going to auctions to get their furniture than furniture stores. Most new stuff is so cheaply made and the cost is ridiculous for what you get!
Eric Astier Yes! I would love to help you! Since I don't know what state you live in, I will only be able to give you a bit of help. First start looking at your local news papers in the sections where they advertise things for sale. A lot of times there will be good auctions when someone is trying to sell a home and/or property. This is a great place to start. From there you can meet people who are interested in auctions and many people that know about good auction houses ( a place where they regularly hold auctions ***this is what you really want to find out about!). Next, when you find good auction houses, you want to get on their mailing list. This is very important! Because they will be informing you of upcoming auctions! There should be several of these in your state. The good thing about these type of places is that they usually have connections/know people that can help you get the furniture and stuff you have purchased at the auction moved to your home. You have to be ready to take it home the day of the auction. In the better auction houses, they will give you a day or so to pick it up, but definitely find out about details like this before you buy! I have to get ready for bed. But I will try to think of some other tips, etc. and tell you in the next few days! 😊👍
@@h.r.puffinstuff431 fascinating. I do see some online website that sell furniture by auction but that's probably where you're least likely to make a bargain on a find.
You should look for a skilled craftsman in your vicinity, show the video to him and see if you can agree on a price. If you find a contemporary craftsman able to replicate such a work of art. I guess you could ask through museums; the restorers might know someone in the trade of replicas of historic furniture. At any rate, easier than having it made in France.
The molded and carved plaque in the front alone is beyond current artisans ability. You could use a 3D laser and a CNC machine to make a rough copy and polish it but it won't look even 20% as good. It's not a question of money, it's not even clear it can be redone. The marqueterie is so detailed with precious woods, and uses all the most sophisticate techniques. It's like they took the best artists and artisans in each field and they all used their most advanced skills to create this. They cannot be replaced today.
My fat ass would have stashed it with Otis spunkmeyer cookies, Reese cups, Oreos, Godiva, skittles, lemon bites, Costco tuxedo cake, Ferraro roche, little Debbie’s, Twinkies...🍩🍪🍪
It is considered one of the most precious pieces of furniture in the world. Some things are so valuable that the only way to estimate them is by auctioning. It probably costs millions, but we will never know it because it is a "patrimoine national" (national heritage) that does not belong to the government but to the entire People of France (the royal family is fine now, but they lost everything during the Revolution) and it would take a law to be sold.
Tem que vender isso ,é distribuir para os pobres. .Pois era um desperdiço, tirado da pobreza, e muitos tirados a própria vida, por não poder pagar os impostos para o Rei. ..Muito triste.