A Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Secretaire a Abattant

paul sormani, paris, late 19th century
the rectangular three-quarter galleried top with eared corners above the conforming case fitted with a fall-front opening to gilt and tooled leather-inset writing surface and five shelves, further over a drawer, the lockplate marked P. Sormani, 10 Charlot Paris, raised on cylindrical fluted tapering legs joined by a galleried medial shelf, mounted throughout with cherubs and Bacchanalian motifs.
Height 53 3/8 x width 25 1/8 x depth 15 1/4 inches.

Property of a Private Collector, Lake Forest, Illinois

Top with slight age cracks beginning to form; both sides of top with more visible age cracks along the edge. Very minor veneer unevenness, wear from age and use throughout. Sturdy and attractive overall. Interior is fitted for sheet music. The bronze trim at the front below the writing surface is split in the middle (see photo), which seems inconsistent with Sormani construction and may suggest that the trim was repaired or replaced at some point. Additional photos available upon request.