Antique French Vernis Martin Marble Top Secretaire Cabinet with Hidden Drawer, c.1890 — Hawkins Antiques, Barry, South Wales

Antique French Vernis Martin Marble Top Secretaire Cabinet with Hidden Drawer, c.1890

Regular price: £1,600.00 GBP
Sale price: £1,600.00 GBP
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Description

Delivery

Condition

Dimensions

Why Hawkins Antiques?

Description

Overview

A refined late 19th century French Vernis Martin secretaire cabinet, circa 1890, beautifully crafted with a rouge marble top and elegant cabriole legs. The finely painted Vernis Martin pastoral panel, fitted writing interior with original blue velvet surface, and a discreetly concealed secret spring-release drawer combine to create a piece of exceptional decorative quality and considerable charm.

Key Features

French, circa 1890
Rouge marble top
Finely painted Vernis Martin panel - romantic pastoral scene to the front
Drop-front opening to fitted writing interior with shelving and drawers
Original blue velvet writing surface retained
Secret spring-release drawer concealed within the upper section
Slender cabriole legs with applied ormolu mounts
Both decorative and practical — ideal as a writing desk, hall piece, or bedroom secretaire

Craftsmanship & Detail

The finely painted Vernis Martin panel depicting a romantic pastoral scene is framed within richly figured timber - the drop-front opening to reveal a fitted writing interior with shelving and drawers, retaining its original blue velvet writing surface. Discreetly concealed within the upper section is a secret spring-release drawer, opened by pressing a hidden button - a delightful and highly desirable feature seldom found on pieces of this quality. Raised on slender cabriole legs with applied ormolu mounts and decorative detailing, this cabinet exemplifies the combination of refined craftsmanship and practical ingenuity that defines the finest late 19th century French secretaire furniture.

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

Very good antique condition throughout with light historic marks consistent with age and use. The Vernis Martin panel, rouge marble top, and ormolu mounts all present well. The secret spring-release mechanism operates correctly. Structurally sound, clean, and ready to place.

Additional Notes

Vernis Martin panel present and displaying well
Rouge marble top in good order
Original blue velvet writing surface retained
Secret spring-release drawer mechanism functioning correctly

Dimensions

Height 128cm Width 60cm Depth 39cm

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