French Bureau, 1800s

Details

Description

Desk with mirror attachment - bureau à cylindre

france
mahogany
directoire circa 1800

dimensions: h x w x d: 149 … Read more Desk with mirror attachment - bureau à cylindre

france
mahogany
directoire circa 1800

dimensions: h x w x d: 149 x 97 x 50 cm

:
top-mounted desk standing on tapered round legs in brass sabots.
there are three drawers in the frame area, the centre one with a partition.

the writing section is closed with a cylinder flap. The full beauty of the cuban mahogany is revealed here with a transverse veneer leaf framed by polished brass. The handles with their fixed bows are entirely in keeping with the formal language of the directoire, i.e. The late 18th century. The bar lock mounted in the flap locks to the right and left.
if we open the flap, the previously locked writing surface can be pulled out. This completes the picture of two rows of drawers on top of each other, of which the top row is usable and the lower fronts are part of the writing drawer. The attached video clearly shows the area described.
the old original leather with its beautiful, embossed frame is worth mentioning. Although it is slightly brittle and worn with age, it is absolutely authentic and charming!

the same applies to the mirrors mounted in the two-door top. Here we see the transience of old handmade mirrors with tarnished edges and small blind spots in the glass.
it is absolutely rare to find mirror glass in this marvellous condition, as they were often replaced by their previous owners or in older restorations. Once such irretrievable mirrors are lost, the piece of furniture loses its character and, in my opinion, its historical value. Especially as the mirrors are perfectly usable in this case, as you can clearly see in the attached video.

the top of the piece of furniture is a grey veined marble panel framed by a gallery of hearts arranged in a row.

beautiful details of the piece of furniture are the clover-shaped keys, which are not completely preserved but fully functional.

i would also like to point out the fine inlay work, which you will discover on closer inspection on the outer wooden surfaces next to the drawers, next to the cylinder flap and next to the doors. Although they are almost completely overshadowed by the brass ornamentation, they are still present and contribute to the overall appearance of the piece of furniture.

condition:
with patina restored and suitable for everyday use with the signs of age and use mentioned in the text above.

please refer to the following specialised literature:
pierre kjellberg - le mobilier francais du xviiie siecle p. 896
jacques mottheau - meubles et ensembles louis xvi pl.7 See less