Overview
A fine quality French secrétaire abattant, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, beautifully constructed in kingwood with intricate parquetry throughout and richly mounted with finely cast gilt bronze ormolu. Combining refined French craftsmanship with excellent proportions, this piece serves equally well as a writing desk, statement storage piece, or decorative focal point.
Key Features
- French, late 19th to early 20th century
- Kingwood with intricate parquetry throughout
- Original veined marble top
- Fall-front writing surface opening to a fitted interior
- Three graduated drawers with original ornate handles and escutcheons
- Elegant serpentine sides with applied ormolu mounts
- Shaped legs with ormolu mounts
- Finely cast gilt bronze ormolu throughout - all original
Craftsmanship & Detail
The upper section features a fall-front writing surface opening to reveal a fitted interior ideal for correspondence and document storage. The lower section houses three graduated drawers, all retaining their original ornate handles and escutcheons. The case is framed by elegant serpentine sides standing on shaped legs with applied ormolu mounts - the whole crowned with its original veined marble top, providing both visual balance and practical durability. The intricate parquetry throughout and richly cast gilt bronze ormolu mounts place this piece firmly in the upper tier of late 19th century French cabinet furniture - a superb combination of functionality and elegance.