A gilt-bronze mounted red tortoiseshell and brass inlaid breakfront side cabinet Napoleon III, third quarter 19th century

the ebonised top above ogee arched shaped glazed doors, with reserves of scrolled brass inlay, the sides with applied masks and the plinth base with brass strung decoration, the interior covered with fabric, with a printed paper label to the reverse for Devonshire House 1920 and a further paper label by hand GR. DINING R.

Almost certainly acquired by Spencer Compton Cavendish, 8th Duke of Devonshire (1833-1908) and his wife Louise von Alten (formerly Duchess of Manchester) as part of their refurbishment of Devonshire House and Chatsworth in the 1890's standing in The Red Drawing Room and subsequently in The Green Drawing Room, removed to Chatsworth circa 1920 and there after positioned in the State Dining Room

Devonshire House Inventory, 1892, p. 180 in the Saloon
Devonshire House Inventory, 1908, p. 18 in the Blue Drawing Room
Devonshire House Inventory, 1917, p. 180 in the Green Drawing Room
John Cornforth, 'Chatsworth, Derbyshire VII', Country Life, August 1, 1968, p.281

Very good condition. The top has some wear to the edges, a small loss to its veneer near the back left corner and some minor splits. The brass and tortoishell inlay is generally in good condition with no significant losses, though to the top right corner of the central panel door there is a small area of lifting brass. The base has some scuffs and marks. A very fine quality piece, note the detail to the brass inlay and on the tortoishell putti to the doors.
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