A fine and early example (circa 1700-1710) of a two-tiered four-door Norman buffet. The Myers & Monroe piece is a slightly finer example of such furniture than the one conserved in the Museum of Traditions and Normandy Arts, or the Chateau de Martainville (Image two in black and white from Guillaume Jeanneau’s 1973 publication, Meubles Normands, and image three from the museum in color).

The dimensions of both pieces and their well chiseled steel hardware are identical, however the Myers and Monroe example is adorned with more decorative sculpture, notably the the central shell and carved scrolling acanthus motifs along the entablature. The Myers and Monroe buffet has also retained its original bun feet and two keys. In any case, these pieces issue most likely from the same workshop.

The button shaped steel drawer handles are typical of the 17th century, and the decor of each piece is transitional between the Louis XIV (late 17th century) and early rococo, régence (early 18th century) styles.

At the time these pieces were made (circa 1700-1710), homes furnished with such buffets were very rare. These definitely would have belonged to an important merchant or local nobleman, and today they remain wonderful examples of early Norman luxury furniture, precursors to the famous Norman two-doored wardrobes of the late 18th and early 19th century.

H: 7ft 7 inches. L: 4ft 9 inches. D: 22 inches.

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