Offered by GSLR Antiques
Rare writing table or lady’s desk with tiered superstructure fitted with document holders. Veneered on all sides in mahogany and mounted on castors, it is a center-room piece intended to be moved according to need, or placed near the fireplace for warmth during winter.
Our desk rests on four sheath legs mounted with gilt bronze rings and joined by a shaped stretcher. It opens with a drawer fitted with sliding mahogany compartments. The sliding leather writing surface is surmounted by a raised tier opening with three small drawers, the right-hand one intended for the inkwell, and above, two leather-covered document holders.
Fine mounts of finely chased and mercury-gilt bronze with motifs of rings decorated with water leaves, claw feet, and a beautiful gilt bronze escutcheon with lion mask and palmettes.
Late Empire or Restoration period, circa 1810s.
A refined and beautiful piece of furniture, and a rare example. Ideal for use as a writing table in a bedroom or salon.
Excellent condition: the old varnish has been cleaned and repolished by our cabinetmaker; no damage or losses. Beautiful quality of chasing and mercury gilding on the bronzes. The leather coverings, gilt-tooled with small irons, were redone 40 years ago. During an earlier restoration, a glass plate was cut to protect the leather writing surface. A fortunate and well-executed addition, which we have preserved as it is, and it will be delivered with the piece.
Width: 72 cm
Depth: 52 cm
Height: 93.5 cm to the upper tier, 72 cm to the writing surface
