French Louis XVI Walnut Secretaire, Circa 1780

This impressive and unusually tall French secretaire scriban dates from the late 18th century, circa 1780, and is crafted primarily in solid walnut, with secondary woods in pine. The rich, warm tone of the walnut, combined with its lively grain and natural patina, gives the piece a depth and authenticity that only time can produce.

The upper section features two paneled doors with elegant arched frames and distinctive vertical reeded panels, reflecting provincial craftsmanship inspired by the Louis XVI period. Inside, the cabinet opens to reveal spacious shelving, ideal for storage of linens, books, or decorative objects. Beneath, two drawers with brass knobs provide additional functionality.

The slant-front writing surface opens to reveal a beautifully arranged interior fitted with multiple small drawers, also in walnut, each retaining simple brass pulls. The writing surface shows honest wear consistent with age and use, adding to the charm and character of the piece. Traditional joinery is visible throughout, including hand-cut dovetails and pegged construction.

Resting on straight, tapered legs, this scriban combines the practicality of a secrétaire with the storage capacity of an armoire, making it both decorative and highly functional. A rare, large-scale example of French provincial furniture, full of rustic elegance and architectural presence.