18th Century, France, Louis XVI Secretary Desk, Cuban Mahogany And Carrara Marble

Louis XVI period secrétaire à abattant in Cuban mahogany, detached columns, Carrara marble and brass gallery

Louis XVI period secrétaire à abattant, in solid mahogany and flame-figured Cuban mahogany veneer on an oak and pine carcase. The fall front opens to reveal a complete interior fitting — eight drawers, three arched niches, pilasters inlaid with brass stringing and panels — to which is added a secret compartment concealed beneath the central drawer; all the locks are original and each retains its key. The green leather of the writing surface, gilt-tooled and centred with a fleuron, has mellowed to the muted olive of antique linings.

At thirty-nine centimetres deep, the piece sits readily in a pier between two windows, serving equally as an occasional desk in a drawing room or library and as a storage piece in a bedroom.

Secrétaire à abattant, known as a secrétaire droit, Louis XVI period, in solid mahogany and flame-figured Cuban mahogany veneer on an oak and pine carcase. Opening by one drawer to the upper section, a fall front to the centre and two doors below concealing a mahogany-fronted drawer.

The fall front, secured by a lock with a central bolt and two side bolts, lined above with its original gilt-tooled green leather, opening to an interior fitting of eight drawers — one with a double front simulating two drawers — and three arched niches, divided by pilasters inlaid with brass stringing and panels. Secret compartment set beneath the central drawer.

Surmounted by a white Carrara marble top, girdled by a pierced brass gallery with breakfront returns. Uprights in fluted columns dressed with brass reeding and ringed with brass collars. Front and side panels framed with brass quarter-round mouldings. Resting on four turned toupie feet mounted with bronze collars.

All locks original, each retaining its key; those to the front with trefoil escutcheons.

The piece has been fully checked by a cabinetmaker and treated against wood-boring insects, ready to be installed.

Condition: fine presentation condition. Splits to the veneer on the central panel and on the door panels. Two brass inlays lacking from the fluting of the rear uprights, a few brass inlays that may warrant localised attention, one handle lacking from a drawer of the interior fitting. These marks arise from the natural ageing of antique veneer and do not disturb the reading of the whole. They call for no prior intervention, any restoration remaining at the purchaser's discretion.

Measurements:
• Width: 97 cm
• Depth: 39.4 cm
• Height: 144 cm

Careful shipping, insured and tracked:
• Dispatch by specialist furniture carrier within France, €250 to €450 depending on postcode
• The piece may be viewed in Lyon
• Immediate purchase is not enabled for this item; we invite you to contact us before completing a sale.
• Has this piece caught your attention? We remain at your disposal for any further information (additional photographs available on request).
We are reachable Monday to Saturday, 8am to 7pm, on +33 6 52 43 97 82.