Charming vintage miniature or Bru doll sized chest of drawers, Louis XV style but with an ebony finish with gold painted trim, which 'updates' it to the Napoleon III era's aesthetic, as well. It's got lovely shaping and original "Meldan" label. We know this is American made, probably around 1950, give or take a little bit, and that it is, of course, 'after' or 'apres' the French commode style popular today. The size is the wonderful part as it's an oversized doll furniture size, probably was used as a salesman's sample perhaps or sold as a novelty in the 1950s for doll collectors, decorators. I love seeing these 'miniature' furniture pieces. While this one is not, many like this have been made throughout the centuries by apprenticed 'students' of the French furniture makers, masters (ebenistes) and survive today a testament to the artistry the apprentice had mastered at various levels in their training. The popularily of those 'one of a kind' miniature furnishings can make the prices soar on them, so it's kind of fun to find one that has the look but not the price tag. This is a largish model, 18" wide, so perfect to display on top of a buffet, perhaps topped with a collection of carved miniature figures or even portrait miniatures or boxes jewelry sets. In fact, one might well use it as a jewelry chest. But I know those doll collectors out there will be clamoring after it, too. Beautifully crafted, it just awaits that perfect display setting you can provide it.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. I see no chips or cracks, no damage to note. The hardware is perfectly sized to the chest and has been cast in bronze or a near-alloy, beautifully harkens back to the Louis XV hardware style and is true to the chest. I am uncertain if the finish is original or updated. It's appealing, charming. I think the chest is made in oak, looking at a drawer edge. The backing is pressed plywood and is pressed with the number 127. You can view the grains of wood in that image. Pressboard bottom liner. You can see in our first image the drawers are nicely dovetailed and it is solid wood with old style French locks. Unfortunately, the original working key did not come with the chest. These are normally relatively easy to replace or to have remade by a locksmith. Each drawer locks separately. Isn't it superb!
