*RESERVED* Antique French Ormolu String Holder
*RESERVED* Antique French Ormolu String Holder
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A French or Continental string holder in ormolu-mounted leather, the cylindrical body covered in deep burgundy leather and encased in layered fire-gilt bronze mounts arranged in discrete horizontal zones: a beaded base ring, a garland-and-bow frieze with pendant husks, a beaded mid-border, an open arabesque fretwork band through which the leather ground is visible, a plain collar, and a lift-off lid centered with a floral rosette medallion and beaded edge. The ornamental vocabulary is Louis XVI Revival throughout: ribbon-tied garlands, acanthus scrolls, and neoclassical husks executed in cast ormolu of good weight and definition. The friction-fit lid lifts free to allow reloading; the original ball of twine remains inside, still threaded through the scroll-form wire dispensing loop on the lid, undisturbed since the piece was last in active use. A scratched inventory notation on the base suggests the piece passed through an estate or collection at some point in its history.
Good antique condition with honest age-appropriate wear throughout. The ormolu mounts retain their original fire gilding with a warm natural patina that has developed evenly across all zones. The casting definition is good, with the garland, bow, and arabesque ornament reading crisply. No visible losses to the mounts or evidence of re-gilding. The burgundy leather body is intact and visible through the open fretwork of the upper band, showing the color and surface variation consistent with age. The gilt brass interior shows light oxidation and age spotting consistent with long use, with no damage to the vessel itself. The friction-fit lid seats correctly and lifts cleanly. Overall a presentable and structurally sound example with the exceptional distinction of retaining its original contents.
Shipping & Returns
All antique and vintage items are shipped from our warehouse in Bluffdale, Utah. Each piece is carefully packed by hand using archival materials and custom crating when necessary.
Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on the size and weight of the item. Local pickup is available at the AMD Warehouse.
All sales of antique and vintage items are final due to their unique, one-of-a-kind nature. Illuminé candles and The Collector's Guide may be returned within 14 days of delivery if unopened and in original condition.
If your piece arrives damaged, please photograph the damage immediately (including packaging), contact us within 48 hours at austynmariedesign@gmail.com, and do not discard any packaging.
Important Info About Antique & Vintage
Every antique and vintage item we carry has lived a life before arriving in your home. These are not factory-made products. They are objects with history, character, and the marks of time.
Age-appropriate wear, patina, minor imperfections, and signs of previous use or repair are inherent to antique and vintage items and are not considered defects. These characteristics are part of what makes each piece unique and are often what give it its beauty and value.
We describe the condition of each piece as accurately as possible in the listing. If you have specific questions about a piece before purchasing, please reach out. We are always happy to provide additional photos or details.
Colors may appear slightly different on screen due to monitor settings and photography lighting. We do our best to represent each item accurately.
