A rare and exceptional French Napoleon III Second Empire Period (1852-1870) Boulle marquetry table. France, exquisite Parisian work, dating to the Mid-19th Century, fine quality, executed in sophisticated Louis XV taste, featuring brilliant gilt bronze ormolu mounted ebonized wood frame, but what sets this remarkable example apart and a true rarity is the silver-toned Boulle style metal overlay scrolled foliate marquetry-work, over a deep red and orange hued faux tortoise-shell ground, with luxurious warmth and rich depth, it creates a visually striking contrast! Having a hinged rectangular shaped top with projecting canted corners and serpentine edge on all sides, inlaid with fine stringwork trim, lifting open to reveal birdeye maple veneered interior, with central mirror plate and open storage, rising on elegantly curved brass string banded cabriole legs, mounted with lavishly chased, chiseled and gilded putti mask corner mounts, long chutes, terminating in pierced sabots. circa 1860 - PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION: Contents of the prominent San Antonio Holt Family's Terrell Hills home The billionaire owner of Holtcat, the largest Catrpillar dealer in America, owner of the San Antonio Spurs professional basketball team, as well as numerous other businesses, sports teams, and philanthropic endeavors. Headed by Peter M Holt (b.1948), former CEO of Holtcat, Peter is the great grandson of Benjamin Holt (1849-1920), who introduced the first practical track type tractor in 1904, which he named the Caterpillar. He and his brothers founded the Holt Manufacturing Company, which was one of the two companies that came together to create what is known today as Caterpillar Tractor Co. This table came from the family’s magnificent Terrell Hills estate. If you have a moment, please take the time to read about the entire family's lasting impact on Texas and throughout the entire country. In addition to their incredible business savy, their philanthropy is truly remarkable and second to none. Their home featured fine French furnishings by Francois Linke, Paul Sormani, Maison Millet, Gervais Maximilien Eugene Durand, Maison Forest, Victor Raulin, and much more. October 2024 - Acquired from the highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, est.1983, Austin, Texas. Amazing October Antiques & Important Estates Auction catalog, lot#3258 - DIMENSIONS: (approx) 29.5" High, 23" Wide, 16" Deep - CONDITION REPORT: Overall excellent antique condition. Presents splendidly. Typical minor wear consistent with age, use, handling and exposure, including scattered patinated metalwork, age related dark spot silver losses to mirror plate. Delivered cleaned, waxed, hand polished, ready for immediate use and generational enjoyment! Keywords: French furniture Paris France Napoleonic toilette poudreuse ébéniste André-Charles Boulle tortoiseshell cut brass overlay bronze dore mounts black lacquered blackened fruitwood sofa table hall console side table ladies dressing table sewing stand work table Victorian parlor entry statement piece transitional accent table original authentic antique