Louis XV Italian Bombé Marquetry Secretary Desk, 1960s

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I found this bombé secretaire in the Louis XV style. It was made in Italy in the 1960s and looks … Read more I found this bombé secretaire in the Louis XV style. It was made in Italy in the 1960s and looks even better in person than in the photos. The burl walnut veneer has a warm, honey-coloured tone, and the marquetry (urns of flowers, scrolling acanthus leaves and floral cartouches) is real inlay rather than printed decoration.

The fall front opens to the original writing surface, with three small drawers and an open compartment inside. Everything works, including the lock and key. Below are two bombé drawers with their original pulls, decorated in the same way, each with an inlaid medallion in the centre. It stands on curved cabriole legs with brass sabots.

It's solid, with no wobble. There is light surface wear from age and use, a few small marks that you can see in the photos, but nothing that needs restoring before use.

It's small enough for a hallway or bedroom but still makes a strong impression on its own.

It would also suit someone creative. You can write, draw or paint at it, and when you're done for the day, just close the front with everything still in place. No need to tidy up, the mess stays hidden, and next time you open it you can pick up exactly where you left off. See less