This is an investment-grade 1970s Maison Regain solid elm credenza — a defining work of French Mid-Century Modern craftsmanship. Handcrafted in the Drôme region of Southern France, it embodies the rural modernist aesthetic: raw yet refined, monumental yet balanced. Once called the “poor man’s Pierre Chapo,” Maison Regain now commands serious collector recognition and rising value. This example is large-scale, entirely solid wood, and preserved in excellent original condition.

ARTIST & PROVENANCE: MAISON REGAIN

A post-war French atelier, Maison Regain rejected veneer and mass production in favor of traditional joinery, hand-selected timber, and honest construction. Based in the Drôme, their work rivals Pierre Chapo, Charlotte Perriand, and Jean Gillon — yet remains rarer and undervalued. This credenza represents their pinnacle: sculptural, functional, built for centuries.

MATERIAL: SOLID FRENCH ELM — NO VENEER

Constructed from 100% solid French elm — no plywood, no veneer, no particle board. Elm was favored by Chapo for its dense grain, organic figure, and structural resilience. The doors feature book-matched flame-grain panels with dramatic ribbon-like movement. Over five decades, the wood has developed a rich, warm honeyed patina that cannot be replicated.

• Species: Solid Elm (Ulmus minor) | Flame / feather grain, book-matched

• Finish: Original, lightly waxed, warm amber tone

• Authenticity: No veneer, no laminate, no restoration overspray

DIMENSIONS – COLLECTOR 78″ SIZE

• Width: 78 in | 198 cm

• Depth: 22 in | 56 cm

• Height: 37 in | 94 cm

• Weight: Approx. 165 lbs | 75 kg

DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS

1. Sculptural Recessed Pulls
Signature Maison Regain: hand-carved recessed pulls integrated directly into the solid elm. No applied hardware — negative space carved for a continuous tactile surface. Ergonomic, quiet, architecturally pure.

2. Monumental Yet Lifted Silhouette
Substantial case floats on bold squared legs, lifted 6″ off the floor. Mid-century lightness — commands space without weight.

3. Rhythmic Facade Composition
Four doors symmetrically arranged. Grain direction emphasizes verticality on doors, horizontality on case — intentional, intelligent design.

4. Exposed Joinery
Visible finger joints at upper corners. Not flaws — badges of authenticity.

INTERIOR & STORAGE

• Two adjustable solid elm shelves

• Ample height for barware, binders, media

• Clean, dry interior — no odor, stains, damage

• Original back panel with period patina

CONDITION: EXCELLENT ORIGINAL

No sanding. No stripping. No over-finish. This is a survivor, not a rebuild.

• Structure: 100% solid, tight joints, no wobble

• Doors: Perfect alignment, smooth operation

• Finish: Warm, even, subtle craquelure — desirable, not defective

• Wood: No cracks, water rings, or deep scratches

• Restoration: None