Just in from France and cleaned to reveal the masterpiece it truly is, this 46" long shelf's center frieze is a marvelous NeoClassical or Renaissance Revival grouping of 9 putti in various active positions. Further decorating the shelf is a lion's head front center bottom, and beautifully trimmed out side supports. It is 15" tall and 7 3/4" in depth to the wall, fabulous to display a clock or a collection of them, your collections of Black Forest carvings, or fine Animalier or Classical bronze sculptures - or a simple display of china or sterling silver - you'll have the perfect placement. It seems to me the shelf might upstage whatever is put atop it. Full measurements noted on photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, I an point out a couple of minor shortcomings: 1. a few of the small carved rosette trim pieces have been lost to the ages (see X), and 2. the magnificent carved bas relief frieze os figures, carved as an inset to the walnut shelf is slightly warped at each end, lifting very slightly - nothing that will distract, but simply bears a mention, as might a crack in the carved edging across the top front of the shelf. Displays beautifully. Large and truly splendid! This one won't last long.
