Jacob Desmalter - Princely Secretary In Mahogany - From The Château d'Eu

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Jacob Desmalter
Secretary desk with flap 
Mahogany and mahogany veneer on oak frame
Ormolu bronzes and brass
Dimensions : H. 145,5 ; W. 102 ; D. 46 (cm.)
Paris, circa 1815

A rare secretary from a princely source, with a flap and four drawers on the front. It stands on curious truncated cone-shaped legs. Each drawer has a keyhole, a locking mechanism and two chased and gilded ormolu handles. The flap reveals gilded leather, probably the original, and seven drawers forming a "cartonnier". The stencilled inventory was drawn up during the July Monarchy. It tells us that this piece of furniture was located in the château's outbuildings.

This piece of furniture was probably ordered during the major campaign to refurnish the homes of the Orléans family on their return from exile. The princes largely commissioned the firm Jacob Desmalter et Cie, from whom we have sold a suite of four chairs stamped and delivered for this Norman residence.

Château d'Eu
The privileged residence of the Orléans family, this building was erected under Henry IV by the Duke of Guise. It passed into the hands of the Bourbons in
1693. Returned to the Penthièvre branch at the advent of the Restoration, the estate fell to Louis Philippe. Queen Victoria was welcomed here in 1843 and 1845. Following the events of July 1848, some of the estate's furniture was sold off.

Condition report: very good state of preservation. Furniture with antique varnish, probably period morocco, original locks, escutcheons and handles. No cracks and very minor wear.