Details
Description
An exceptional and finely crafted French Louis XVI style cylinder desk (bureau à cylindre), dating from the mid-to-late 19th century …
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An exceptional and finely crafted French Louis XVI style cylinder desk (bureau à cylindre), dating from the mid-to-late 19th century (circa 1860–1880). This elegant piece perfectly captures the refined Neoclassicism of the late 18th-century Parisian court, executed with the superb hand-craftsmanship of the Belle Époque revival era. Its compact proportions and luxurious materials make it an ideal statement piece for modern, sophisticated interiors.
Materials & Aesthetics
The exterior is clad in highly coveted, premium "Plum Pudding" mahogany veneer (also known as mottled mahogany), celebrated for its rich, circular dark grain clusters that create a dramatic, multi-dimensional visual texture. The desk features classic Louis XVI geometric lines, a solid curved cylinder shutter that rotates smoothly into the frame, and a top surface enclosed by a delicate, pierced brass gallery rail. The drawers are framed with machine-precise but hand-pinned brass beaded molding, and the desk stands on slender, fluted tapered legs ending in brass ring collars (sabots).
Craftsmanship & Construction Details
Built to the rigorous standards of high-end 19th-century Parisian cabinetmaking workshops, the desk boasts exceptional structural integrity:
Joinery: Features fine, narrow hand-cut dovetail joints showing original craftsman scribe lines and hand-chisel marks on the drawer linings.
Secondary Woods: Drawers are constructed with dense, solid oak linings showing over a century of authentic, natural oxidation.
Hardware: Retains its original, heavy hand-wrought iron mortise lock casings secured with authentic, early single-slot handmade screws and hand-filed brass selvage plates.
Functionality: Retractable cylinder mechanism seamlessly integrates with a slide-out, leather-lined writing surface that extends to expand the workspace, revealing an organized interior of nested drawers and cubbies.
Dimensions
Height: 40 inches
Width: 29 inches
Depth: 16 1/4 inches
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- Dimensions
- 29ʺW × 16.25ʺD × 40ʺH
- Styles
- Louis XVI
- Table Shape
- Rectangle
- Table Knee Clearance
- 21.0 in
- Period
- Mid 19th Century
- Country of Origin
- France
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Brass
- Mahogany
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Maroon
- Condition Notes
- Condition Report Excellent antique condition consistent with age and careful use. The plum pudding mahogany veneer retains a rich, warm … moreCondition Report Excellent antique condition consistent with age and careful use. The plum pudding mahogany veneer retains a rich, warm patina with minor, expected surface wear. Structural joinery is perfectly tight, drawers slide smoothly, and the mechanical cylinder function operates beautifully. Original hardware and brass accents are intact with a beautiful, natural aged oxidization. less
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