18th Century Drawer Desk, Mid-louis XV Period Desk, Money Changer's Desk

A splendid Regency or early Louis XV style desk in solid cherry wood. Our desk features two side pedestals, each opening to reveal storage compartments with a shelf. There are also two drawers in the frieze. The top includes a niche that extends along the sides with elegant scroll carving that runs the entire length of the piece. The rarity of this desk lies in the fact that it is also a mid-period desk. Indeed, the back of the piece is magnificently decorated with paneling and carving that echoes the decoration of the pedestal doors. The lower rail is shaped (as is the rest of the desk) and adorned with a shell motif in its center. The eight legs were replaced or restored in the 19th century (see detail photos), and other minor repairs have also been carried out (small fillings, splicing, etc.). Old traces of wood-boring insects (perfectly normal for a piece of furniture of this age) are present on the back of the desk. The locks are later additions. The desk is sold with three keys that operate all the locks. This desk has retained a beautiful patina. Length: 132cm Depth: 67cm Total height: 91cm // Height to top: 76cm Available seat width between drawers: 41.5cm Available height under the top: 70cm in the center and 64cm on the side Step depth: 18cm Height under step: 13cm