Charming French Wooden Épicerie, c. 1900–1920
This beautiful French wooden grocery store — a so-called Épicerie — dates from around 1900–1920 and is painted in a soft cream or pale yellow, with lovely red and gold accents.
At the top sits a large paper label in red with gold lettering announcing Épicerie, adding a delightful touch of authenticity. A red-and-white striped fabric awning — still working with a little care — gives the shop its unmistakable charm. Graceful decorative ironwork details run along the top edge, adding extra elegance.
Inside, the store is filled with tiny treasures: bottles, boxes, barrels of wine, baskets of fruit, and miniature grocery items that bring this toy shop to life. A separate loose “gate” with its own red-and-gold label stands in the middle, and the flap to which it attaches can be positioned upright or laid flat.
One can easily imagine the joy this little épicerie brought to a lucky child long ago — and it has survived wonderfully well. Today, it’s a true eye-catcher for any collection, or a perfect display piece among antique dolls and toys.
A rare and charming piece of early 20th-century toy history.
Measurements:
Width: 21.65 inches
Height: 21.26 inches
Depth: 7.48 inches