France, circa 1830
Item # 403ZGP18C
An exceedingly fine bureau à cylinder from
the Restauration period in France, it is dressed in positively
brilliant flamed mahogany veneers throughout that have been very
carefully selected for their aesthetic contribution. Note the facade, in
which the bookmatched veneers create a silhouette vaguely resembling
the same Winged Victory motif found in the ormolu mounts - the drawers
flow like the diaphonous garment of the figure through the center and
continue the same draping in the grain on either side across the
drawers.
The arrangement of veneers is noteworthy even beyond
the facade. The interior drawers present with crotch-cut veneers that
flow from one into the next up and down, side to side with an almost
seamless symmetry. The top drawer is a perfectly book-matched selection
that billows like flames from the center, radiating out towards the
angelic figures on either side. Extraordinarily pleasing.
The
desk presents with a very old and likely original gray marble top
projecting slightly over a full-width top drawer over a cylinder
roll-top that easily lifts with a pair of original stamped brass knobs
to reveal a tidy interior organized with a series of six small drawers
in paired stacks over a withdrawable writing surface covered with a more
recent green baize.
The graduated drawers beneath this offer
generous storage, each sliding in and out of the case with ease, the
hand-dovetailed joinery typical of the period firmly locking the oak
secondary woods together.
While the desk itself is incredibly
heavy and sturdy, it has been cleverly designed to be separated into two
parts to allow for a safe transport. The marble top lifts free, the
cylinder superstructure lifts simply off of the lower case, the writing
surface comes free and of course all drawers can be removed.
Rarely
does such a carefully considered piece become available, particularly
one remaining in such fine original condition. An absolutely defining
piece.
Measurements: 52 5/8" H x 25 3/8" D x 54 3/4" W;
writing area is 30 3/4" H from ground to underside of writing surface,
20 5/8" D x 45 3/8" W
Condition Report: A very fine presentation. French polish is clear and brilliant throughout with historical surface indicators: nicks, dings, abrasions and scars as expected; veneers with typircal shrinkage cracks throughout; many areas of veneer patching, including more notably to the right bottom side of the case where filler has been inpainted; green baize is replaced; minor nicks to the marble - marble top appears to be original.