Breton 19th Century Bleached Oak Mariners' Buffet

Oak Mariners' buffet dated 1886 from the harbour shrine/chapel Lorient. This piece was rescued by the vendor's grandfather a tally clerk ("not a docker!") at the port of Lorient, S. Brittany in 1941. The Germans Superb oak Mariners' buffet, dated 1886. 

This buffet is originally from the harbour shrine/chapel Lorient. This piece was rescued by the vendor's grandfather, a tally clerk, at the port of Lorient, S. Brittany in 1941.

The Germans militarized the port and ordered major clearances. The tiny chapel was dedicated to both Ste Anne of Brittany and St Goustan the patron saint of sailors and fishermen and stood on the harbour. There is still a shanty sung of him - "Saint Goustain notre ami, ramenez nos maris..." (St Goustan our friend, bring back our husbands..).

Rescue is usually a euphemism but in this case, the little building was razed to make way for military buildings. Somewhere will be the effigy of St Goustan that doubtless stood in the upper section, which has now been fitted with shelves.

It is a fantastic and unique piece decorated with Neptune Atalantes below and winged angels above. The right angel bears a chalice, the left an anchor. Both sport crowns overbrimming with fruit (for a fruitful voyage).

A little winged putti looks down from below the denticles, near Georgian cornice. The cupboard below has an enormous cartouche which seems to be of the bishopric of Vannes with a mitre and crozier surmounted by a crown.

More enigmatic is the faintly carved pair of eyes in the centre of the cartouche. The central drawer has a lion's head boss and an original brass handle.

It is light in colour and offers a fantastic, decorative focal point for very little floor space.