solid oak "double evolution" hunting sideboard

Paris - 18th century.

This highly-architectural piece of furniture is the true model of a Parisian hunting buffet, close in size and general form to the well-known archetype reproduced by carpenter Nicolas Duval, who made it his specialty. The impression of harmonious power that emanates from this piece of furniture should be emphasized, as should the wide sections of wood used and the thick, pushed-in moldings, the perfect division of its architecture: the width of the drawers aligning with that of the small leaves, the excellent proportions of the large leaves (between height and width) determining the arch and the size of the panels, the good proportional relationship also between height and width, marble and plinth, and finally the rare sides molded into a "chapelle" arch...
It's worth remembering that at least seventy percent of low hunting buffets can be presumed to be forgeries, as they have been made from old woodwork since the 19th century in workshops in Paris and northern France, (some salvaged and already fitted with the double evolution, others completely rebuilt, including fittings), examples "similar" to those, now extremely rare, that once furnished the great estates, hunting lodges and especially the châteaux of the Île de France and sometimes even those of the provinces.
In terms of authenticity, our sideboard is reassuring at first glance. The front jambs, molded in the mass with no rounded ends, do not raise the question of whether this is a model built with wood or a transformation. Then there's the stone itself (we're talking about stone here, not marble), with its 42 mm thickness, its typical Louis XIV "bec-de-corbin" and "cavet" underneath, its hand-cutting and, above all, its remarkable patina and numerous traces of life. This is a Corton stone (also known as Ladoix stone).

"The Corton quarry is located in Ladoix-Serigny, Côte d'Or, between Beaune and Dijon. This beautiful stone, immediately recognizable by its pinkish-beige color dotted with violet veins, is authentic and steeped in history. The Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy in Dijon and the famous Hospices de Beaune are all built with this stone.
Corton stone, particularly appreciated in the restoration of old houses, is the Burgundy stone par excellence: its compact, hard nature and beautiful patina give it the authenticity of old Burgundy flagstones.
Its low porosity and color make it very easy to maintain."
Extract from La pierre naturelle - Marbrerie SETP - See: https://marbrerie.setp.fr/corton
The cabinet opens with two drawers fitted with iron locks, and with two folding doors. This double folding arrangement allows the doors to be opened to the maximum, and even folded to one side, for the dual purpose of displaying and serving the dishes, silverware and tableware stored there. In the 18th century, it was common practice to leave the buffet doors wide open during meals, and Roubo describes this practice as "more ostentatious than necessary". Our example still features the main characteristics of the classic Parisian sideboard: elongated door arches and thick frame moldings, plinth base, narrow, deep "knife" drawers for the knives used to cut game, hence the name of the piece.
It's worth noting that this type of sideboard was made both by Parisian master joiners, who specialized in natural wood furniture (such as Parisian commodes in natural oak, walnut or beech), and by cabinetmakers, no doubt in response to strong demand from
Eight hinges, two small cut-out lock escutcheons and two drawer locks, four cut-out interior hinges, a large lock on the right-hand leaf and a very fine espagnolette on the left, a cock-head escutcheon, three keys (all perfectly original on the cabinet).
Entire piece of furniture made from superb solid oak (including the frame and all its mouldings, except for the fir shelf).Very good condition. Perfectly revised by our carpenter.

Parisian Regency or early Louis XV period, first half of the 18th century.

Dimensions: 91.5 cm high x 125 cm wide x 61.5 cm deep.