It is a French boudwar, it is meant
to have glass on the sides. And hinges to pull up the glass with. In the 1800's trine French soldiers would go off to war and bring boudwars to display pictures of loved ones. And important trinkets in. They are very important in American history.

I am from France. And I am an American historian and all of my life I have heard of These boudwars. But I have never seen one. You could very possibly be the only person in the USA that can say they own a French trine soldier boudwar.

You are an important person in Americas history.

It would depend on the style and finishes the other furniture in the room have. I would find out if it was worth anything untouched before I painted it.

Somehow Ruth Orr's story doesn't ring true. The only "boudoir" I know of in French is a lady's bedroom or sitting room. The term is derived from "bouder" which means to sulk or pout. I assume French women retreated to the "boudoir" when they were moody. I've seen one of these before but don't know what the actual term to define it is. I think it looks to be more English Victorian than French.

Beth, I can't offer any background info but it's a lovely piece...lucky you! I agree with not painting it until you find the value. I like the finish on it now.

Look I'm only 11 years old and my friend has one that looks like that and she said that hers was the only one in the world and I had never seen it but she'd told me about it. She said hers had glass hinges AND it was From were we live. And it was for soldiers to put stuff in. Just saying what my friend told me.

You know the trine soldiers

HI -- I don't think this is the correct information at all . Is there any evidence that it had anything attached to it . I don't think so because it doesn't look like it could have . Anyway find some antique experts and e-mail photos and measurements to some antique shops and so on. But do not paint it , that would be a shame .

I can not confirm the spelling nor can I confirm anything about glass attaching. My 10 year old granddaughter thought she would get online and help folks with their decorating dilemmas. Sorry for any inconvenience.

that was very entertaining Ruth Orr. Your granddaughter is very creative.

I thought that was a very childish spelling of boudoir! lol!

HI -- It is almost looking like it may have been church furniture because of the gothic decoration and style . Just a thought .

HI -- Found something similar , I might be on the right track .... I think it is a gothic style challis stand ... but not 100 % sure yet . Lets see what others come up with .

Checked online and found several similar tables described as "two tier lamp table".

I can see how "gothic" could be a possibility. I did some google imaging but can't find anything very close. Whatever it is, I like it!

It reminds me of a telephone stand, or a washbasin stand.