Rectangular walnut changer's table with bobèche... Lot 1

Rectangular walnut changer's table with bobèche and turning decoration, opening with a drawer in the waist. It is supported by six twisted uprights, joined by a brace, and rests on small ball feet. France. Partly 17th century H_77 cm W_130 cm D_70 cm Typical of the first half of the 17th century, money-changers' tables appeared in major European capitals and financial centers such as Paris, London, Amsterdam and Venice, responding to the need to exchange money. These tables were particularly robust and sophisticated pieces of furniture, adapted to the demands of the financial professions. The spinning top leg is a central decorative element that appeared from the 1600s onwards as a central ornament illustrating the financial affluence of their owners and their membership of a high social class. Our model, which incorporates the spinning top, is clearly distinguishable from the first money-changers' tables to appear in the 15th century, such as the one preserved in the Musée Carnavalet under reference MB 326.