Rare Antique Barrister's Bureau, English Secretary, Escritoire, Georgian, c.1760

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Description

This is a rare antique barrister's bureau. An English, mahogany and boxwood fall-front writing cabinet or secretary with myriad concealed … Read more This is a rare antique barrister's bureau. An English, mahogany and boxwood fall-front writing cabinet or secretary with myriad concealed storage, dating to the high Georgian period, circa 1760.

Exceptional in craftsmanship and ingenuity, with hidden function to surprise throughout
A total of 22 hidden or secret storage compartments await to be discovered
Displaying a desirable aged patina and in gently time-worn antique order
Select stocks present beautiful figuring and warm russet and caramel hues
Boxwood and ebony marquetry adds further visual sophistication to the bureau

Dual fall front affords access to the writing surface and a book rest for transcription or reference
Once open, each half rests upon a substantial pair of sliding lopers, dressed with brass drop handles
The writing surface is set at a comfortable working height of 76cm (30'')
Upon the right hand fall, a removable book rest provides a stage for reference volumes

In addition to the bank of six drawers, the upper conceals numerous hidden storage solutions
Arcaded divisions frame the central cabinet door, replete with inset lock — in working order, key present
Inlaid star motif to the door accentuated in contrasting boxwood and ebony
Inside, checkerboard marquetry sits before a mirrored back, offering a fascinating display space

This central cabinet can be removed through pin access set within the inlay
Upon the reverse, a quartet of sliding compartments nest within the rear of the display cabinet
Smaller items can also be stowed within compartments behind the pilasters and the central stepped fascia
The outer arcade sections pull forward, with shallow compartments set within

Sliding back the cover beneath the central cabinet reveals further storage within the bureau
Behind a panel at the front of this storage space, a removable chest of eight slide drawers
The final hidden storage containers are situated behind the central most pair of small drawers

Beneath the bureau, a suite of five drawers arranged as the classic two over three
Each dressed with quality brass drop handles upon shaped fretwork backplates
Faux drawer fascia to the centre flanked by a pair of small drawers
Graduated full width drawers below complete the comprehensive storage space innate to this piece
The whole standing upon a quartet of ogee bracket feet, typical of the Georgian period

Offering a near unprecedented collection of hidden storage, this exceptional antique barrister's bureau bears the craftsmanship and pursuit of concealment to fascinate any observer, in addition to an elegance to be expected of the best furniture from the period. A rare opportunity to acquire a bureau that presents function in every imaginable way, set within cabinetry of the first order. Solid joints and construction, delivered ready for the home or institution.

Dimensions:
Max Width: 106cm (41.75'')
Max Depth: 52cm (20.5'')
Max Height: 104cm (41'')

Extended Depth: 85.5cm (33.75'')
Writing Surface Height: 76cm (30'') See less