An English-style chest of drawers made of mahogany and molded mahogany veneer, featuring four drawers opening in a belt-like arrangement above two central doors and two corner shelves with veined white marble tops and glass backs (side panels). The pilaster-style side panels rest on tapered legs. Extensive trim of chiseled and gilded bronze, including interlaced friezes, foliage scrolls, rosettes, friezes of pearls and olives, asparagus motifs, lock plates, and footplates. Top of gray-veined white marble (speckled). Signed on the base: Paul SORMANI, 10 rue Charlot, Paris. Second half of the 19th century. Height: 106 cm - Width: 215 cm - Depth: 64.5 cm Note: Founded by Paul Sormani in 1854, the Sormani firm quickly became a supplier to the Imperial family. It participated in the 1849 Exhibition of Industrial Products and then in the 1855 and 1867 World’s Fairs, where it received several awards, and established itself on Rue Charlot. Paul Sormani died in 1877, and his widow and son continued the business under the name “Veuve Paul Sormani et Fils A Paris.” Appraisal conducted by Mr. Cédric HENON - 06 95 34 93 78 - cedric.henon@authenticite.fr