Rare Art Deco bar Prince de Galles – Innovation Paris – 1930s

Art Deco Apartment Bar "Prince de Galles" – Innovation – circa 1930 Rare and ingenious Art Deco apartment bar "Genuine Prince de Galles Bar", patented and marketed in Paris by the house of Innovation, formerly located at 104 Avenue des Champs-Élysées. This model appears in a period advertisement dedicated to small apartment bars, in the context of the rise of "cocktail hour" at the end of the 1920s. When closed, it takes the form of an elegant compact piece of furniture; once opened, it reveals a truly clever bar system. The piece is articulated in two parts thanks to its original long central piano hinge. Its interior layout is complete: numerous compartmentalised cubbies for bottles and accessories, shelves, a top drawer, and a retractable shelf for preparing and serving cocktails. The original metal plaque "Genuine Prince de Galles Bar – Bté S.G.D.G. – Registered – Guarantee Plate" is still present. The exterior in wood and walnut veneer has been carefully renovated: the piece has been cleaned and sanded to remove the old yellowed varnish, then protected with a colourless matte anti-stain oil finish, which preserves and highlights the natural grain of the wood. The top surface, whose original veneer had disappeared, as well as the entire interior layout, has been repainted in a deep Indian Brown shade, chosen to complement the walnut and emphasise the Art Deco lines of the piece. The fittings and metal elements are original. The piece has its lock entries and key, but does not lock. This antique piece naturally shows traces, irregularities, and marks related to its age and history. A lack of veneer is notably present on the back of the piece; it is not visible when installed and does not affect its sturdiness or use. See detail photos. The interior is sold without bottles, glassware, or accessories. Dimensions when closed: L63 × D42 × H111 cm Dimensions when opened: L84 × D31 × H111 cm An uncommon Art Deco piece, as interesting for its aesthetics as for its opening system and history, which can today regain its original function in a living room, dining room, or contemporary interior.