Pair of Antique Brass Rococo Revival Keyhole Escutcheons – c.1880–1900

Pair of Antique Brass Rococo Revival Keyhole Escutcheons – c.1880–1900

A wonderfully decorative pair of antique brass furniture keyhole escutcheons, dating to the late 19th century and designed in the flamboyant Rococo Revival taste.

Each escutcheon has an ornate cartouche-shaped outline with scrolling foliage, pierced detailing and a generously proportioned traditional keyhole opening. The raised decoration has developed lovely golden highlights against the darker aged surface, while traces of blue-green verdigris to the reverse add further character and evidence of age.

These were most likely originally fitted to a cabinet, cupboard, chest or similar piece of quality furniture, protecting the surrounding woodwork from wear while adding an attractive decorative flourish.

The backs retain a wonderfully untouched appearance, with visible casting texture, oxidation and age-related surface variation. The pair appears to have been made from the same pattern, although minor differences in wear and fixing holes reflect their long working life.

Perfect for an antique furniture restoration project, incorporating into a reclaimed piece, or simply keeping as an appealing pair of original period furniture fittings.

Date: Late 19th century, probably c.1880–1900

Style: Rococo Revival / Louis XV style

Material: Cast brass / copper alloy

Quantity: Pair

Dimensions – each approximately:

6 cm long

4.5 cm wide at widest point

0.2 cm thick

Condition:

Good antique condition with expected surface wear, scratches, oxidation, patination and areas of verdigris consistent with age and previous use. Fixing holes are present. They have deliberately not been heavily polished, preserving their attractive aged character. Please study the photographs as these form an important part of the description.

A small but beautifully decorative piece of antique furniture history, with exactly the sort of timeworn patina that modern reproduction hardware struggles to imitate.