Louis XVI Style Column, Stamped Crystal Staircase

Large Louis XVI style column from the 19th century. Stamped "escalier de cristal". Column in mahogany and dappled mahogany inlaid with gilt bronze ornaments, interspersed with curved panels. on a circular gilt bronze base, raised on a large square base. This column is in very good condition, fully restored.

The origins of the house known as “L’Escalier de Cristal” date back to 1802 at the Palais-Royal. Founded by Mrs. Barthélemy Désarnaud, the workshop produces a wide range of small table objects mounted in gilded bronze and mother-of-pearl and won a gold medal at the Exhibition of French Industry Products of 1819 for crystal furniture ( Louvre). The name "The Crystal Staircase" became synonymous with high quality merchandise ranging from small decorative items in the early 19th century to full-size furniture a hundred years later. The company was named patented supplier to the king in 1819 as well as supplier to the Duke of Berry and the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne. In 1845, the social journalist Loménie de V* recounted a visit to "Escalier de Cristal, the only renowned boutique that has survived the ancient reputation of the Palais-Royal." What was actually made in their workshops, however, must be fully determined. First famous for their extraordinary glass furniture mounted on bronze, they manufactured other types of furniture during the reign of Louis-Philippe. Obviously, many items were purchased, repackaged and often labeled with the Name of the Crystal Staircase. It is almost certain that some of their furniture was made by other Parisian high luxury furniture manufacturers, but always with a high level of quality. Marnyhac was probably one of several subcontractors for the bronze castings which could well be found under the bronze mounts.