Exceptional Antique French Amboyna & Ebonised Bonheur Du Jour Writing Desk With Porcelain Plaques c.1880

Regular price: £3,650.00 GBP
Sale price: £3,650.00 GBP
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Dimensions

Height: 141 cm Width: 108 cm Depth: 56 cm

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Description

Delivery

Condition

Dimensions

Why Hawkins Antiques?

Description

Overview

An exceptional antique French Amboyna and ebonised Bonheur du Jour writing desk dating from the late 19th century, beautifully combining decorative artistry with practical everyday functionality.

Key Features

Antique French Bonheur du Jour writing desk
Circa 1880
Richly figured Amboyna veneers
Contrasting ebonised detailing
Porcelain portrait plaques
Glazed arched central display compartment
Mirrored interior
Side cupboards with fitted storage
Leather-lined writing slope
Decorative gilt bronze mounts
Turned ebonised supports
Lower undertier for display or storage

Craftsmanship & Detail

The raised superstructure is centred by a glazed arched display compartment with a mirrored interior, flanked by two cupboard doors each adorned with exquisite hand-painted porcelain portrait plaques framed within decorative gilt bronze mounts.

The writing section features a central drawer which ingeniously converts into a leather-lined writing slope, providing a practical workspace whilst maintaining the desk's elegant proportions. The lower section is supported by finely turned and ebonised legs with decorative porcelain roundels and gilt embellishments, all united by a substantial undertier offering additional display or storage space.

The striking Amboyna veneers exhibit wonderful depth, colour, and movement throughout, whilst the porcelain plaques add a level of artistry rarely encountered on comparable examples. Every angle demonstrates the sophistication and attention to detail expected of luxury French furniture from this period.

Investment Value

Fine French Bonheur du Jour desks remain highly sought after by collectors, decorators, and investors due to their decorative appeal, practical functionality, and increasingly limited availability.

Examples featuring Amboyna veneers, porcelain plaques, ebonised detailing, and original fitted interiors represent some of the most desirable pieces within the market for 19th-century French furniture.

Delivery

We offer free UK mainland delivery on this item.

All furniture is carefully handled and delivered by experienced antique furniture couriers to ensure it arrives safely and in the condition described.

International shipping can also be arranged. Please contact us for a competitive quotation prior to purchase if delivery is required outside mainland UK.

Condition

Condition Report

Presented in good antique condition throughout, the Amboyna veneers display excellent colour and figure, with attractive depth and movement throughout.

The porcelain plaques, gilt bronze mounts, writing slope, and decorative details are all beautifully presented. There are minor marks, light surface wear, and small imperfections commensurate with age, adding to the authenticity and character of the piece.

A highly decorative and practical antique writing desk, ready to be placed within the home.

Dimensions

Height: 141 cm Width: 108 cm Depth: 56 cm

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