catalog text
FINE RESTAURATION PERIOD ORMOLU-MOUNTED FLAMED MAHOGANY BUREAU À CYLINDER
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.