French Empire Flamed Mahogany Secretaire A'Abattant Desk Ca. 1830

Description

LOUIS PHILIPPE FLAMED MAHOGANY SECRETAIRE A'ABATTANT
France, circa 1830
Item # 407TCJ10P

This positively stunning secretary desk from the second … more LOUIS PHILIPPE FLAMED MAHOGANY SECRETAIRE A'ABATTANT
France, circa 1830
Item # 407TCJ10P

This positively stunning secretary desk from the second quarter of the 19th century features a carefully selected and executed book-matching of flamed mahogany veneers that creates a brilliant flame-like array across the entire face of the desk. These are the focal point of the entire design and are executed with such flawless precision that the result is largely breathtaking.

Under a replaced ebonized wood top (would originally have likely been marble) is a single full-width drawer set in the frieze flanked by bold gilt-bronze anthemion mounts that curve over the full-length columns on either side of the case. The fall-front is operated with the original key to allow it to rest on internal steel pins designed within the hinges, this revealing an early (and likely original) gilt-tooled leather writing surface before a distinctly architectural interior set with a single drawer over four tapering columns over four smaller drawers.

Beneath the lowest drawer is a void in the desk that perhaps once had a secret panel, now open and giving access to any stored contents below. A single dovetailed organization box floats around within that hidden void. Beneath the fall-front are three more full-width drawers, all with the same very fine hand-cut dovetailing of the oak secondary woods found in the other drawers.

The desk is raised on bold feet in the front and straight feet in the back. The reverse of the cabinet retains a 19th century label from the Port of de Bercy in Nice (P.L.M.) where it was likely exported.

A stunningly beautiful presentation.


Measurements: 59 7/8" H x 38 1/2" W x 18 1/2" D; knee clearance 28 1/2" (floor to underside of writing surface); writing area 22 3/8" D x 27 1/8" W

Condition Report:
The larger drawer brass knobs are very high quality replacements (several original pulls retained), smaller knobs are all original; several brass keyhole escutcheons are faithful replacements hand fabricated by our conservator; desk would likely have had a marble top, this having been replaced with an ebonized wood top a very long time ago; leather writing surface is early and probably original, this worn and with cracks, ripples and other blemishes, but still absolutely serviceable; a strip of wood was added across the back, probably to seal a crack; back feet ended out (1" blocks added to underside, probably to restore loss from rubbing/dry rot); working key; a very fine state of preservation with a delightful surface patina and gentle cognac hue with a well-preserved French polish sealed under wax. An excellent presentation. less