Structure One carcass [basic box ]   Materials Solid oak Solid walnut Appliqued moulding Carving Characteristics “Armoire” (originally for storage for the army), Shelves can be added;careful of heavy things in middle; Occasionally small drawers in bottom More regional, practical, more country style Rather unchanged over long time span Heavy , durable (See ‘Considerations’ below) Style The style is not determined by the period but by the region in which it is made The design from one time period to another does not change much, age can be closely estimated   Interior Presence Affords suitable contrast in the same room with modern If one wants to limit antiques with intentional continuity or similar styles in same room, one may feel compelled to stick with ‘country’ or more informal look.    Considerations Moving & Transport: Cumbersome, heavy to dismantle Cabinetry familiarity and certain tools needed for moving and putting back together Placement: once put it usually stays (due to the above), Does not move upstairs in some elevators or small architectural areas, foyers, hallways—Need generous ceiling length clearance for doors to open   Pricing French armoires are usually in lower price category. First there were more in production and it was more available as the cost was lower from the onset. The structure is very basic.   Investment Monitor / Tips Serious prices are asked for a style that can be limiting over time, if one’s taste and function of the furniture change (or if one moves country numerous times, and it seems to get heavier with each removal). Structure 3-pc carcass, usually pegged      Top crown is separate Upper structure with doors breaks down, packs flat 5 small drawers inside      Generous chest of drawers   Materials Always veneered             Burl walnut/Oyster finish             Mahogany             Oak Characteristics More storage variation, manageable components Spacious drawers in base (commode) Smaller drawers inside  upper structure (5) Easy to dismantle: easy to move in small architectures   Style Changes with royalty trends, specific dating possible The influence of early 18c Louis XV is Rococo, (ornate), whereas 80 years later, the silhouette becomes straight. Quality and class of furniture is higher Dutch style reflects time periods and exemplifies finesse of the cabinetmakers who filled orders from richer families, traveling among them in a broad geographic area.   Interior Presence Affords suitable contrast in the same room with modern . Dutch styles also blend well with other styles in same room. Diversity in style exists without penalizing the collector’s personal taste with major price difference. Considerations Measure for ceiling height? Many variations of ‘crowns’ Porcelain set for the top if desired  Ease of transport, breaks apart and is pegged, not even a hammer is needed to re-position after a move. Maneuvers easily in small architectural areas Pricing Dutch cabinets were crafted by trained cabinetmakers who often liked to showoff their skill. Their patrons, usually from the rich, upper class, placed them as showpieces.   Investment Monitor / Tips Antiques are better than stocks Dutch cabinets are more secure than French Armoires because they are less vulnerable to trends,  have more functionality due to compartments and have less potential for damage due to ease of movement. Checklist for Purchasing a Large Storage Cabinet FEATURE COMPARISON of TWO ANTIQUE STYLES The French Armoire The Dutch Cabinet


 
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