Rare to find complete, exquisite little side table bar made from 4 antique leather-bound French books. The sized down decanter and 2 cordials just the perfect size for a liqueur aperitif, or a sip of brandy with one's evening read. These are the perfect hidden 'nip', indistinguishable from a regular stack of books at bedside. A novelty from Napoleon III era (mid-Victorian, c.1850-70), these remain so popular they are still being crafted. Some have no books at all but simply faux stacks. The one you see here, and those we try so hard to find for you - those are the best of genre. Old, charming, and a "must have". I've found 3 this previous month, which is incredibly fortunate as normally I have none to show for a year's sourcing out of France. This one is, in my opinion, the best of them.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. Glassware is complete and ready to serve you. Real leather-bound books from 1700s-1800s, the paper pages still showing. No hint that it's going to open for the traditional French aperitif. Measurements are noted on the photos. This one is magnificently petit - just 6.5" long, 4" wide and tall. The old leather is supple, beautiful, and that one scrape on top will disappear with a wipe of shoe polish and wax. I left it for photos just so you'd see that it's there, but we'll do the touch up. Wear of age to the old books, of course, just as you hope for. Nicely fitted interior, it has a strap to keep it open at a beautiful viewing angle. Love this one!
