A Louis XV Commode, by Nicolas Petit

A highly collectible, 18th century French Louis XV period serpentine-fronted solid walnut commode chest of drawers, standing on Cabriole feet, the front fitted with five drawers and the original, finely cast and fire-gilt bronze handles and escutcheons. The fifth drawer is a 'secret' drawer at the centre of the top row. Please note the excellent and original, bronze-like walnut patina.  Area of Paris, circa 1770.

The rear of the commode is stamped with the 18th century cabinetmaker's punched hallmarks, with the maker's mark: 'N.Petit' (Nicolas Petit (1732–1791). Nicolas Petit was a highly regarded French master cabinetmaker (maître ébéniste) who was appointed 'maitre' in Paris on the 21st of January 1761, and early in his career, was known for exactly this type of furniture. He opened his workshop named "Au Nom de Jésus", in the 'Faubourg Saint Antoine', a district of Paris famous for the excellence of its cabinetmaking workshops. His popularity grew during his career and he became a representative for this corporation in 1784.