French Antique 19th Century Napoleon III Ebonized Inlaid Secretary Desk

An intricately bone-inlaid Napoleon III era secretaire a’abattant from the third quarter of the 19th century, this lovely desk features a replaced Carrara marble top with projected front corners that conform to the profile of the cabinet. It features a single drawer in the top over a fall-front lid that opens with a replaced key to reveal a tidy interior of four drawers below a small storage space over a gilt-tooled maroon leather writing surface. The outside of the lock is beautifully engraved in the same spirit as the inlays.

The lower cabinet features three full-width drawers and all drawers are crafted to the same very high grade with crisp hand-dovetailed joinery. The desk is raised on turned feet. Note the delicacy of the inlay work with vibrant scrolls of foliage and bouquets of flowers, the floral display in the fall front with a bird flying over the crest.

A lovely desk that has seen a great deal of life and has wonderful surface history throughout – it immediately captures the attention of the room, while still being quite restrained in size and easily incorporated even into relatively small spaces.

Measurements: 55 7/8″ H x 15 1/2″ D x 29 1/2″ W; 25 1/2″ H to the underside of the writing surface if seated in front of it

Condition Report:
Extensive surface wear and damage, including losses of the ebony veneers throughout with visibility of the underlying secondary woods, losses to the inlays, chipping, scratching and cracks. Many moldings have been reattached and show the repairs/cracks. The Carrara marble top is replaced and the molding that would have surrounded it originally has been reduced to be flush with the top. The key is not original and is a bit finnicky, functioning only when not pushed into the lock too far. Sturdy and strong in all joints, fully functional and most enjoyable. A great presentation that is ready to place.

About silla antiques & art
Established in 2009, we have available in our 9000 square foot brick-and-mortar gallery an ever-changing selection of carefully curated and catalogued furniture, decorative arts, paintings, sculpture and estate jewelry. Our company has long specialized in sculpture circa 1860 through 1930 and as such the gallery always has a very large collection of exceptional European and American sculpture available on display.

The gallery is located at 117 W Burd Street in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania and is open by appointment only. We welcome your visit and would love to meet with you at the shop. For clients located outside of the area, we are always available to discuss items by video conferencing or by phone.