Lot 426

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Description:

French silver and leather traveling necessaire case, Paul Sormani Paris, working circa 1817-77
metal-clad brown leather traveling case inset with silver initials MN, opening to reveal trays fitted with French 1st standard silver covered jars and bottles; tray of ivory-clad implements and tools; tray fitted with ivory-covered brushes and other objects; blotting pad serving as protective cover to looking glass on inside of cover. Case marked: Paul Sormani, 10 r Charlot, Paris; as are many of the objects within.
H7 1/4" W16 1/2" D13"

Other Notes: Paul Sormani (working 1817-1877), a noted cabinetmaker of the 19th century, was born in Venice. Trained as a cabinetmaker, he subsequently moved to Paris and opened his first shop in 1847 specializing in fine furniture made in the Louis XV and XVI styles.

The reign of Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie began (1852-70) and the Empress engaged in the activity of redecorating the Palace. Her keen taste for fashion and eye for high quality led her to commission Sormani to create spectacular pieces to compliment her 18th century tastes.
After years of collaborating with the Empress and notable French figures, Sormani's firm earned the title of "meubles de luxe", whose work was described in the 1867 Exposition Universelle catalogue as "toute sa production revele une qualite d'execution de tout premier ordre". He received a medal of première classe at the Exposition Universelle of 1855, followed by another medal at the 1862 exposition in London. The workshop also made eclectic furniture in contemporary styles.

It can be difficult to date Sormani's work, as the firm produced furniture for nearly ninety years. Look for his name stamped on the bronze mounts (sometimes on the reverse) and engraved on the interior lock plates. When Paul Sormani died in 1877, his wife, Marie-Philippine, and his son took over the business; from this date onwards the firm's pieces were normally signed "Veuve Sormani & Fils." The firm closed in 1934.

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September 12, 2009 10:00 AM EDT
West Columbia, SC, US

Charlton Hall

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