FRANCE, ÉPOQUE LOUIS XIV, DÉBUT XVIIIe SIÈCLE Lot n° 18

CHANGER TABLE Rosewood veneer; gilt bronze; red leather H. 70 cm, W. 81 cm, D. 30 cm This changer table opening to a red leather flap rests on six legs in sheaths connected by a spacer and finished with flattened ball feet. This table bears witness to the esteem in which the profession of money-changer was held under Louis XIV. Indeed, in 1696, 300 new exchange offices were created. Most of the money changers were set up at the entrance to towns so that merchants and other travellers passing through could come and exchange their money for local currency. The moneychangers also had a role in controlling the quality of the coins and were responsible for removing from circulation counterfeit coins as well as trimmed coins that had lost their value. In addition to a table, the Money Changer's furniture also consisted of certified scales and books of account.