Antique French parquetry secrétaire abattant writing desk with marble top and gilt bronze mounts circa 1880

Antique French Parquetry Secrétaire Abattant Writing Desk With Marble Top & Gilt Bronze Mounts c.1880

Regular price: £3,050.00 GBP
Sale price: £3,050.00 GBP
Regular price

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

or 3 interest-free payments of £1,016.66 with Klarna at checkout

Dimensions

Height 132cm Width 76cm Depth 43cm

Product variants:

FREE UK Mainland DeliveryProfessional, trusted delivery

International ShippingWorldwide shipping available

Secure CheckoutSafe & secure payments

Family Antique SpecialistsTrusted since 1960

Enquire About This Piece

🔒 Secure payments accepted

BANK TRANSFER

Description

Delivery

Condition

Dimensions

Why Hawkins Antiques?

Description

Overview

A refined antique French secrétaire, dating to the late 19th century, beautifully crafted with striking geometric parquetry veneers and richly embellished with finely cast gilt bronze mounts throughout. The elegant floral marquetry centrepiece, bold diagonal parquetry panels, and white marble top combine to create a piece of exceptional craftsmanship, symmetry, and architectural presence.

Key Features

French, late 19th century
Striking geometric parquetry veneers throughout
Central floral marquetry motif framed within bold diagonal parquetry panels
White marble top above ornate gilt bronze frieze with scrolling foliage and classical masks
Fall-front opening to fitted interior with green writing surface and small drawers
Three graduated drawers below with original locks
Fluted pilasters flanking the façade
Finely cast gilt bronze mounts throughout
Raised on turned feet with well-balanced proportions

Craftsmanship & Detail

The façade is centred by an elegant floral marquetry motif, framed within bold diagonal parquetry panels that highlight the exceptional craftsmanship and symmetry of the piece. The upper fall-front opens to reveal a fitted interior with a green writing surface and a series of small drawers - offering both practicality and decorative appeal. Below, three graduated drawers are finely veneered and retain their original locks, providing generous storage. The ornate gilt bronze frieze decorated with scrolling foliage and classical masks, and the fluted pilasters flanking the façade, complete a piece that is elegant, architectural, and highly decorative in equal measure - working equally well as a writing desk, statement storage piece, or refined focal point within both traditional and eclectic interiors.

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 with light age-related wear consistent with age and use. The veneers are well preserved throughout, the structure is solid, and all decorative elements remain intact. The writing surface shows gentle wear commensurate with age.

Additional Notes

Parquetry and marquetry veneers well preserved - no significant losses
All gilt bronze mounts intact and present throughout
Marble top present and in good order
Fall-front and all drawers functioning correctly with original locks

Dimensions

Height 132cm Width 76cm Depth 43cm

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