Antique French Louis XV Kingwood Marquetry Writing Desk by Durand - Ormolu Mounted Burea — Hawkins Antiques

Antique French Louis XV Kingwood Marquetry Writing Desk by Durand - Ormolu Mounted Bureau Plat c.1880

Regular price: £3,250.00 GBP
Sale price: £3,250.00 GBP
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Description

Delivery

Condition

Dimensions

Why Hawkins Antiques?

Description

Overview

A superb 19th century antique French Louis XV writing desk, attributed to the celebrated Parisian ébéniste Gervais-Maximilien-Eugène Durand. Beautifully crafted in richly figured kingwood with intricate floral marquetry and finely cast gilt ormolu mounts, this elegant bureau plat represents the luxurious refinement associated with high quality late 19th century Parisian cabinetmaking.

Key Features

Antique French Louis XV style bureau plat writing desk
Attributed to Gervais-Maximilien-Eugène Durand
Circa 1880
Richly figured kingwood veneers throughout
Intricate floral marquetry inlay to the top and frieze
Finely cast gilt ormolu mounts and sabots
Sliding tooled leather writing surface
Drawers fitted to both sides
Elegant cabriole legs in the Louis XV taste
Highly decorative and functional French writing desk

Craftsmanship & Detail

The desk is beautifully veneered in richly figured kingwood and extensively decorated with finely executed floral marquetry across the shaped top and frieze, displaying the exceptional craftsmanship associated with the finest Parisian ébénistes of the late 19th century. Finely cast gilt ormolu mounts adorn the corners, drawer fronts, and elegant cabriole legs, terminating in decorative ormolu sabots that further enhance the refined Louis XV silhouette. The shaped top conceals a practical sliding tooled leather writing surface, allowing the piece to function beautifully as both a decorative centrepiece and an elegant working desk. Furniture attributed to Durand remains highly sought after for its luxurious interpretation of 18th century French furniture styles and outstanding decorative quality.

Delivery

UK Delivery

We offer FREE fully wrapped and insured two-man delivery across mainland UK. All items are handled carefully by our trusted in-house delivery team.

International Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available. We regularly arrange professional international delivery for clients across Europe, the USA, and beyond. Please enquire for a tailored quotation.

Packaging & Handling

Professionally wrapped and protected
Handled by experienced furniture specialists
Carefully transported to minimise movement and risk
Collection available by appointment

Condition

Condition Report

Presented in very good antique condition for a piece of this age and quality. The floral marquetry remains intact throughout and displays excellent colour, clarity, and decorative detail. The gilt ormolu mounts retain fine definition together with attractive original gilding and warm age-related patination.

The sliding tooled leather writing surface shows only light age-related wear consistent with genuine historic use. The original polish and patina have been preserved throughout, giving the desk an honest and characterful appearance entirely appropriate for a fine late 19th century French piece of this calibre. An honest description from a specialist dealer with over 60 years of family experience.

Additional Notes

Floral marquetry intact and well preserved throughout
Ormolu mounts retaining excellent detail and gilding
Sliding tooled leather writing surface functioning correctly
Original polish and warm aged patina preserved

Dimensions

Height 74cm Width 77cm Depth 47cm

Why Hawkins Antiques?

Three Generations Since 1960

Hawkins Antiques has been sourcing and selling fine antique furniture for over six decades, combining traditional expertise with carefully curated stock.

Personally Selected Stock

Every piece is individually chosen for quality, character, craftsmanship, and decorative appeal - we do not mass-source inventory.

Honest Condition Reporting

We photograph and describe each item accurately, highlighting condition, restorations, age-related wear, and authenticity.

Specialist Delivery

UK deliveries are handled carefully by trusted couriers, with international shipping arranged through specialist fine art transport companies.

Let customers speak for us

from 13 reviews

Websiteeasy to use & very quick delivery.

Wayne Crocker

05/29/2026

Hawkins Antiques

Our house was built in 1820, so I have been slowly acquiring furniture from the same period. The piece is perfect & arrived very quickly too.

Wayne Crocker

05/29/2026

Fine Georgian Mahogany Fold Over Tea Table With Carved Lion Paw Feet C.1820

We love our fender. Brilliant condition and very speedy and good delivery service.

Chloe Frost

04/10/2026

Hawkins Antiques

We purchased a table from Hawkins Antique and it is absolutely stunning and a mint condition! Delivery was very fast and the delivery team were fantastic and really went the extra mile to get the table into the house - it wasn't simple due to our narrow front door, but the guys managed to get it in, keeping the table safe along the way! Highly recommend - very happy! Made another purchase already!

Liam Phillips

03/25/2026

Hawkins Antiques

If you are looking for an antique/furniture dealer who sells good quality at appropriate prices, are prompt, polite and helpful and deliver what they promise, our recent experience of Hawkins exactly fits that bill.wewill gladly buy from them again.

Bali Kochar

02/26/2026

Hawkins Antiques

We had purchased a walnut sideboard from this company. We are delighted with it and with the service. The sideboard - is in a very good condition, clean, as described and advertised. We found dealing with everyone in that company to be straight forward and helpful. I would not hesitate buying from them again! Highly recommended!!!

Monika Hold

02/26/2026

Hawkins Antiques

The cabinet was just as expected photos were spot on. Delivery service was excellent and fast. Highly recommend Lee and co. Thank you

Linda Bennett

11/18/2025

Hawkins Antiques

Superb service from purchase to delivery. Lee could not have been more helpful and the item is exactly as described. His delivery guys were wonderful too!

Ruth Middle

10/03/2025

Hawkins Antiques

Hawkins Antiques have been absolutely perfect. The furniture we bought is brilliant, exactly as described and photographed, and the team couldn’t have been more helpful and professional

Dan Sails

08/19/2025

Hawkins Antiques

Bought a William Tillman table and chairs. We are absolutely thrilled with the purchase and the company was very understanding when we were having trouble with moving dates. They were extremely helpful and understanding. Items came well packed and dropped off by two nice chaps who moved everything into the house for us without any hassle at all. Absolutely no trouble in recommending Hawkins Antiques. Would give more than 5*

M Wilson

08/03/2022

Hawkins Antiques

Visited Hawkins Antiques a few days ago and must say I was very impressed with the wonderful furniture and the helpfulness of the staff. Well worth a visit

Donna Oram

11/15/2017

Hawkins Antiques

I visited this place last week and have to say I was amazed, it was like a museum. I definitely recommend anyone to take a visit to Hawkins antiques if you are in the Cardiff or Barry area.

Rukaya Wareth

11/15/2017

Hawkins Antiques