A Very Good & Unique Biedermeier Commode in Ash
Germany Circa 1825                                          
 
The highly grained ash case featuring a top inset with a marquetry cartouche depicting a heart-shaped motif centred by a silvered Christogram (IHS), intersected by an anchor & cross. All three drawer fronts inlaid with contrasting light & dark parquetry motifs in walnut & maple, and retaining their original embossed brass backplates, bail handles & iron locks – however, the keyholes have apparently been filled in with wood particles several years ago, which could be excavated if requested. The front of the case flanked on either side by ebonized columns with embossed ormolu capitals, raised overall upon carved paw-shaped front supports & splayed rear supports. 
 
Dimensions: 33.5” high x 47” wide x 23.5” deep.                                                      
The three marquetry motifs featured on the top are symbolic of Love (Heart), Hope (Anchor) & Faith (Cross), and which combined with the Christogram and the two flanking initials in Old German script, suggests that this was quite possibly a dowry gift.