Frères Wassmus & Gros, Second Empire, a display cabinet with marquetry, bronze fittings, and a marble top, France, circa 1850. Wood veneer, bronze, and marble. Single-door display cabinet with two shelves, interior upholstered in yellow silk. Mounted with gilded and patinated bronze fittings. Finished with a white marble top. Signed 'WASSMUS' for Frères Wassmus and 'GROS PARIS' for Jean-Louis-Benjamin Gros (below the marble top). Paris, France, circa 1850-1860. The Wassmus brothers were renowned 19th-century Parisian cabinetmakers (active circa 1815-1872), famous for their prestigious furniture with marquetry in the styles of Boulle, Louis XV, Louis XVI, and Napoleon III. Henri-Léonard Wassmus, originally from Hanover, was a talented designer and craftsman, and a purveyor to the Empireal Household. Jean-Louis-Benjamin Gros was registered as a Parisian cabinetmaker and marquetry maker at 27 rue des Blancs-Manteaux until 1850, and then at 43 rue des Tournelles until 1863. He made furniture in his own name and was also associated with the Winckelsen company, serving as its head cabinetmaker. Jean-Louis Benjamin's son, Aristide-Henry, took over the business after his retirement. Both father and son exhibited at the major world exhibitions of the 19th century. (80 x 112 x 40 cm)