What characterises mid-18th-century German Rococo commodes?

Mid-18th-century German Rococo commodes are defined by serpentine or bombe silhouettes, highly patterned wood veneers such as burr walnut, and intricate inlay work using materials like pewter, bone, or contrasting timbers. Influenced by French furniture design of the Louis XV period, these pieces balance fluid curvilinear forms with substantial architectural proportions.

What materials were traditionally used in 18th-century continental marquetry commodes?

Cabinetmakers utilised a core of softwood, such as pine or fir, overlaid with prized hardwood veneers including walnut, fruitwoods, and kingwood. Decorative marquetry panels often incorporated contrasting materials like brass, pewter, bone, and ivory, complemented by cast brass handles and keyhole escutcheon plates.

How can you verify the authenticity of an 18th-century walnut commode?

Authentic 18th-century commodes exhibit hand-sawn wood construction, irregularities in hand-cut dovetail joints, and shrinkage marks consistent with natural ageing. Look for original cast brass backplates, evidence of hand-planing on rear and underside panels, and original lock mechanisms within the drawers.

How do you style an antique marquetry commode in a modern interior?

Position an antique commode as a focal point in a hallway, drawing room, or primary bedroom, balancing its rich timber tones against neutral walls. Complement the piece by positioning contemporary artwork above it and styling the surface with simple ceramics or structural lighting to contrast old and new elements.

How should an 18th-century veneered commode be maintained?

Keep the furniture in a stable atmosphere with consistent temperature and humidity to prevent wood movement and veneer lifting. Dust regularly with a clean microfibre cloth and apply a high-grade beeswax polish once or twice a year, avoiding aerosol sprays or chemical solvents.

for sale €11,408 $12,383

£9,750

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Baroque Walnut Commode

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Rare Mid 18th Century German Walnut Pewter and Ivory Marquetry Serpentine Commode

Name: Rare Mid 18th Century German Walnut Pewter and Ivory Marquetry Serpentine Commode
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1234632
Price: 9750 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by Loveday Antiques

Description

A Fine 18th Century German Walnut shaped oxbow-fronted Commode inlaid with Ivory and Pewter

German - Probably made in Braunschweig Circa 1740

A masterful example of a fine 18th century German commode with marquetry and parquetry combining burr, flame and straight grained walnut veneers and contrasting stringing and crossbanding. Having exotic ebony inlay to the sides and pewter and ivory inlay to the top, drawer fronts and pilasters, the brass handles look to be period replacements dating to circa 1800. The form is typical of the best German commodes of this period.

Having acquired a fabulous colour and eye-catching inlay.The geometrically banded top also incorporates a beautiful pewter and ivory cartouche with the cypher of the original owner in the centre and two allegorical figures on pewter pedestals which are very much in the French 17th century style. The whole raised on scroll carved bracket feet.

A piece of this sort would have been made to order for a wealthy and important client and no expense was spared in its design or construction.

This object incorporates old ivory and has been registered with Defra

Ivory License Number G86WZ8AV

Dimension

Width 44 1/2 inches - 113cm

Height 30 1/2 inches - 90cm

Depth 22 1/2 inches - 57cm

Physical Dimensions

Height

90cm (35.43")

Width

113cm (44.49")

Depth

57cm (22.44")

Declaration

Loveday Antiques has dated this German Walnut Serpentine Commode to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1234632

Dealers Internal Reference

3013

Dealers Notes

Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London.

Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.

As proud members of BADA & LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.

Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.

All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.

We deliver within the UK for usually between £60-£80 and ship worldwide with professional bespoke crating via air to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

GOODS

All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.

Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.

VIEWINGS

We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.

We will happily arrange for clients to be collected travelling via train. Local stations being Hertford North, Stevenage and Ware, all being a 10 minute drive from us.

Please contact us for location and appointments.

Telephone: 01438 869 819

Payments accepted are Bank Transfer, Cheque, Major Credit Cards or Cash.

Opening Times

Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm Please email or call beforehand to make an appointment.

If outside of these times again please call to make an appointment

We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.

Description

A Fine 18th Century German Walnut shaped oxbow-fronted Commode inlaid with Ivory and Pewter

German - Probably made in Braunschweig Circa 1740

“

A masterful example of a fine 18th century German commode with marquetry and parquetry combining burr, flame and straight grained walnut veneers and contrasting stringing and crossbanding.

Loveday Antiques

Having exotic ebony inlay to the sides and pewter and ivory inlay to the top, drawer fronts and pilasters, the brass handles look to be period replacements dating to circa 1800. The form is typical of the best German commodes of this period.

fig 1. A mid-eighteenth-century German serpentine walnut commode featuring three drawers decorated with metal marquetry inlays, brass handles, and carved corner feet. — fig 1. Rare Mid 18th Century German Walnut Pewter and Ivory Marquetry Serpentine Commode

Having acquired a fabulous colour and eye-catching inlay.The geometrically banded top also incorporates a beautiful pewter and ivory cartouche with the cypher of the original owner in the centre and two allegorical figures on pewter pedestals which are very much in the French 17th century style. The whole raised on scroll carved bracket feet.