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Louis XVI Secretary From The 18th Century
Louis XVI Period Drop-Front Secretary – France, late 18th century
A substantial drop-front secretary (*secrétaire à abattant*) crafted from solid mahogany and varnished mahogany veneer, resting on four tapered, turned legs capped with brass sabots. The piece features a restrained, perfectly balanced architectural design characteristic of the Louis XVI style, highlighted by elegant moldings and brass strips framed by rosewood stringing.
The front opens to reveal a wide frieze drawer, a drop-front panel opening onto a refined interior, and a lower section with two doors. The drop-front, lined with a gold-tooled burgundy leather writing surface, conceals a sophisticated interior layout comprising nine drawers, two secret drawers, and a central niche designed with an arched architectural motif. A three-point cloverleaf lock demonstrates the high quality of the original hardware, which is also found on the upper drawer.
The front uprights are adorned with brass fluting, while the recessed side panels are enriched with fine brass strips, accentuating the piece's verticality and refined character. It is topped with a beautiful white marble slab featuring a molded *gorge* (cove) edge and grey veining, contributing to the model's classic elegance.
The bronze and brass ornamentation is original. The lower section opens to a storage space containing a shelf and an internal drawer. Two keys accompany the piece.
Through the quality of its veneer, the understated richness of its bronze mounts, and the complexity of its secret-filled interior, this secretary perfectly exemplifies the refinement of Parisian furniture from the late Louis XVI period, embodying a Neoclassical aesthetic inspired by Antiquity. Period: Louis XVI, late 18th century
Materials: Solid mahogany and mahogany veneer, rosewood, brass, gilt bronze, leather, and marble
Dimensions: Height: 146 cm - Width: 94 cm - Depth: 40 cm - Depth (open): 88 cm
Good overall condition; older restorations consistent with use. Original locks and mounts retained. Suitable international shipping available.
A substantial drop-front secretary (*secrétaire à abattant*) crafted from solid mahogany and varnished mahogany veneer, resting on four tapered, turned legs capped with brass sabots. The piece features a restrained, perfectly balanced architectural design characteristic of the Louis XVI style, highlighted by elegant moldings and brass strips framed by rosewood stringing.
The front opens to reveal a wide frieze drawer, a drop-front panel opening onto a refined interior, and a lower section with two doors. The drop-front, lined with a gold-tooled burgundy leather writing surface, conceals a sophisticated interior layout comprising nine drawers, two secret drawers, and a central niche designed with an arched architectural motif. A three-point cloverleaf lock demonstrates the high quality of the original hardware, which is also found on the upper drawer.
The front uprights are adorned with brass fluting, while the recessed side panels are enriched with fine brass strips, accentuating the piece's verticality and refined character. It is topped with a beautiful white marble slab featuring a molded *gorge* (cove) edge and grey veining, contributing to the model's classic elegance.
The bronze and brass ornamentation is original. The lower section opens to a storage space containing a shelf and an internal drawer. Two keys accompany the piece.
Through the quality of its veneer, the understated richness of its bronze mounts, and the complexity of its secret-filled interior, this secretary perfectly exemplifies the refinement of Parisian furniture from the late Louis XVI period, embodying a Neoclassical aesthetic inspired by Antiquity. Period: Louis XVI, late 18th century
Materials: Solid mahogany and mahogany veneer, rosewood, brass, gilt bronze, leather, and marble
Dimensions: Height: 146 cm - Width: 94 cm - Depth: 40 cm - Depth (open): 88 cm
Good overall condition; older restorations consistent with use. Original locks and mounts retained. Suitable international shipping available.
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