Antique French Bonnetiere

Outstanding antique French Louis XIV bonnetiere with echoes of the Louis XIII style. The door, which has two raised panels, (the upper being arched with shaped indents), is walnut while the sides are oak and the frame chestnut. An interesting feature of this piece is that the carved fleur-de-lys in the top corners of the door have been removed; this would have happened during the period in French history when it was forbidden to display the fleur-de-lys, a symbol of the monachy. This wonderful piece, held together with hand-made nails, is all original including heavyweight lock, key, hinges,escutcheons and backboards. France, circa 1690