Antique Louis-Philippe Secretaire in Ash, 1840

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Description

Antique french louis-philippe secretary desk

france
figured ash
c. 1840

dimensions: h x w x d: 140 x 102 x … Read more Antique french louis-philippe secretary desk

france
figured ash
c. 1840

dimensions: h x w x d: 140 x 102 x 41 cm

:
a french writing desk, known as a ‘secrétaire à abattant’, resting on distinctive legs shaped like inverted mushroom caps.

when closed, the piece is dominated by the wildly grained structure of the ash burl wood used, whose veneer sheets create a harmonious overall effect through their mirror-image arrangement. Elaborate metal fittings or bronze ornamentation have been deliberately omitted so as not to detract from the appearance of the wood. Only the discreet brass keyholes break up the lively figure of the wood.
the fact that the piece extends beyond the width of the body particularly emphasises both the plinth and the top section of the piece.
the top is finished with a loose-fitting slab of white carrara marble.

the work surface, secured by a double-bolt lock and lined on the inside with embossed leather, folds down towards the front.
behind it lies the interior, featuring numerous compartments and drawers. Finished in a tone-on-tone ash burl veneer, the writing compartment appears relatively austere and understated.
in the lower section, there is a large drawer in the centre. Concealed beneath this, ingeniously hidden by a construction of various sliding panels, is a spacious secret compartment. To the left and right of the large drawer are two smaller drawers stacked one above the other. The flanking wooden panels can be unlocked using a concealed lever and then spring forward automatically, supported by tensioned metal springs.
the wide drawer above, like the outer pilasters, is accentuated by fine geometric inlays of maple.
also typical of french furniture of that period is the generous open compartment, which offers space for small photo frames and other personal items, thus allowing the owner to add a personal touch to the piece.

condition:
restored and suitable for everyday use, with a hand-polished shellac finish. See less