Antique French kingwood Vernis Martin secrétaire on stand circa 1880

Exceptional Antique French Kingwood Vernis Martin Secrétaire à Abattant on Stand c.1880 - Louis XV Ormolu Mounted Writing Cabinet

Regular price: £6,650.00 GBP
Sale price: £6,650.00 GBP
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Dimensions

Height 126cm Width 62cm Depth 37cm

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Description

Delivery

Condition

Dimensions

Why Hawkins Antiques?

Description

Overview

An exceptional 19th century French kingwood Vernis Martin cabinet on stand, executed in the Louis XV taste and richly adorned with gilt bronze ormolu mounts throughout - closely reflecting the work of Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener, one of the most celebrated Parisian ébénistes of the Belle Époque. A rare and highly refined example of French decorative cabinetmaking at its most accomplished.

Key Features

19th century French - Louis XV taste, in the manner of Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener
Warm kingwood veneers with excellent colour and grain throughout
Beautifully painted Vernis Martin panel depicting an elegant pastoral scene
Elaborate ormolu scrollwork framing to the Vernis Martin panel
Fall-front opening to a fitted writing slope interior
Interior fitted with small drawers and compartments
Shaped stand with cabriole legs
Painted panels and finely chased ormolu mounts to the lower stand section

Craftsmanship & Detail

The upper cabinet features a beautifully painted Vernis Martin panel depicting an elegant pastoral scene, framed within elaborate ormolu scrollwork of considerable decorative richness. The fall-front opens to reveal a writing slope interior fitted with small drawers and compartments - making the piece as functional as it is decorative. The shaped stand below is equally adorned with painted panels and finely chased ormolu mounts, creating a harmonious and balanced composition throughout. The warm kingwood veneers display excellent colour and grain, enhancing the depth and richness of the piece at every angle. A standout example of French decorative art ideal for a library, drawing room, or any refined interior.

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

Excellent condition for its age, with wear consistent with over a century of history - adding to the authenticity and charm of the piece rather than detracting from it. The kingwood veneers retain excellent colour and grain, and the Vernis Martin panels and ormolu mounts present well throughout.

Additional Notes

Kingwood veneers - excellent colour and grain retained throughout
Vernis Martin panels present and displaying well
Ormolu mounts intact and well defined
Age-related wear consistent with over a century of history - honest patina

Dimensions

Height 126cm Width 62cm Depth 37cm

Why Hawkins Antiques?

Three Generations of Expertise

Hawkins Antiques has specialised in fine antique furniture for over six decades, combining traditional knowledge with carefully selected 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

Free UK mainland delivery is included, with international shipping arranged through specialist furniture and fine art carriers.

More from Hawkins Antiques

Let customers speak for us

from 20 reviews

Hawkins brilliant company and service from ordering to delivery.
Purchased some lovely pieces and helped change my orders with no problems .shout out to the delivery lads so helpful

Paul Hunt

09/18/2026

I would buy from Hawkins again.

Sandie B

09/11/2026

Lovely chair, very carefully wrapped to avoid damage in transit. Carefully delivered, on time. Very pleased.

Sandie B

09/11/2026

Very pleased with this. Very pretty bed and great to have the side irons. It was delivered with great care exactly when I was told it would come.

Sandie B

09/11/2026

We bought a beautiful Georgian sideboard from Lee and it arrived within a couple of days, I was so impressed. It was all seamless and the delivery drivers were courteous and friendly too.
Very happy with the sideboard and is a lovely addition to our home.

Charlotte D

08/20/2026

I found Hawkin’s website when looking for an antique cabinet online. I found the perfect piece, ordered it and it had arrived a week later! Free shipping, great communication and 2 guys who carried it in the house and assembled it. Great service, I will be using again in the future. Thank you!

josie conder

07/30/2026

Purchased a beautiful 19th century French kingwood display cabinet from Hawkins Antiques. I am delighted with my purchase and would love to purchase from here again in the future! Lee provided excellent communication with very quick and thorough responses. Delivery was arranged extremely quickly and the delivery duo did a brilliant job up a narrow staircase, getting the cabinet into position safely and without issue. Highly recommend Lee and all at Hawkins Antiques!

Rebecca

07/07/2026

Websiteeasy to use & very quick delivery.

Wayne Crocker

05/29/2026

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

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

Chloe Frost

04/10/2026

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

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

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

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

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

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