Louis XV Italian Bombé Marquetry Secretary Desk, 1960s

Details

Description

A lovely bombé-shaped secretaire in the louis xv taste, made in italy in the 1960s. This is the kind of … Read more A lovely bombé-shaped secretaire in the louis xv taste, made in italy in the 1960s. This is the kind of piece that photographs well but honestly looks even better in person — the burl walnut veneer has that warm, almost honey-toned glow, and the marquetry work (urns of flowers, scrolling acanthus leaves, floral cartouches) is genuinely well executed rather than just stamped-on decoration.

the fall front drops down to reveal the original writing surface, three small drawers and an open storage section — everything still functions as it should, including the lock and key. Below, two bombé-fronted drawers with their original brass pulls continue the same marquetry theme, right down to a matching inlaid medallion on each drawer front.

it stands on gently curved cabriole legs finished with brass sabots, which is a nice period-correct touch and tells you some care went into the details rather than cutting corners.

structurally it’s solid — no wobble. There’s light surface wear consistent with age and use (a few small marks here and there, visible in photos), but nothing that needs restoration to use or display the piece.

a good option for anyone wanting a genuine statement piece with real craftsmanship behind it, rather than a mass-produced reproduction — small enough to work as a hallway or bedroom secretaire, but with enough presence to anchor a room on its own.

dimensions:

• height: 101 cm
• width: 91 cm
• depth: 44 cm
• writing surface (open): height 78 cm / width 79.5 cm / depth 47.5 cm

materials: walnut and burl walnut veneer, satinwood marquetry inlay, brass hardware
condition: good vintage condition, minor age-appropriate wear
origin: italy
period: 1960s, louis xv style See less