Secrétaire à abattant - Brass, Mahogany, Marble

A 19th century secretaire à abattant made during the French Empire period around 1800-1810.
The secretary is made of oak & mahogany wood and glued with very beautifully drawn/flamed mahogany veneer.
Beautiful Flower Mahogany veneer has been selected, especially for the front, which is "mirrored" from top to bottom! In addition to the selection of the veneer, the secretary is also very expertly constructed given the many refined dovetail joints!
At the top there is a single drawer and underneath a flap behind which is a Flower Mahogany veneered nest/interior with six different drawers with brass knobs. The interior is slightly paler because the lid has probably been open for a long time and the knobs of the widest drawer have once been replaced. The high-quality lock with three bolts functions well, when locked once the flap is locked and when locked twice also the single drawer above the flap. The writing surface is inlaid with the original dark green leather decorated with gold leaf details. Due to the way in which the flap and doors are constructed, the so-called "blind wood" has not been able to shrink and expand freely. As a result, the lid and right door have a minimal shrinkage seam, as visible when enlarging the photos. The valve is flanked by sleek tapering columns with caryatid heads and feet. This, together with the diamond shape in the leather, points to the Directoire & Retour d Egypt fashion of the early Empire period.
Behind the two doors is a single fixed shelf, with four drawers underneath. However, the left one is one large drawer with a lock, the key of which is unfortunately missing. The original lock of the right door functions well with the corresponding key.
In order not to disturb the beautiful Flower Mahogany veneer, the flap and doors only have an inlaid brass entrance.
All the fittings are delicately cast & gilded and decorated next to the caryatids with the typical rosettes and palmette leaves.
The secretary rests on elegantly designed legs and is finished with the original hand-cut Sainte-Anne marble top.
The entire secretary has an authentic polished finish, which brings out the deep warm color of the mahogany veneer very nicely and gives the whole a beautiful shine!