H. Nelson, Writing Table, France, Circa 1880

Stamped H. Nelson

Charming Louis XV-inspired scalloped-shaped writing table in kingwood veneer and decorated with a fine gilded and chiseled bronze mount. The tray, surrounded by a gilded bronze mold, is covered with an Egyptian porphyry top. It opens to a belt drawer, revealing two inkwells, a sliding shelf and two secret lockers operated by push buttons, all covered with green morocco. It rests on four cabriole legs decorated with flowers at the corners and ending with leafy sabots.

Henri Nelson took over the workshop of his father Jean-Henri Nelson, cabinet-maker himself, in 1856, at 46, rue de la Madeleine. It was then transferred to 79, boulevard Hausmann then to 2 rue Tronson-du-Coudray, before settling permanently at 27, rue Pasquier in 1870. He was present at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1900 where he received a gold medal for the quality of his work, as well as at the Franco-British Exhibition of 1908 in London and the Universal Exhibition of 1911 in Turin.

• Les ébénistes du XIXe siècle, Denise Ledoux-Lebard, Ed. de l’Amateur, 1984, p. 508