19th Century Louis Philippe Abattant Secretary

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Description

Secrétaire à abattant in cherry wood - France, Louis Philippe period, c. 1830–1850. Object: secrétaire à abattant / vertical writing … Read more Secrétaire à abattant in cherry wood - France, Louis Philippe period, c. 1830–1850. Object: secrétaire à abattant / vertical writing desk with a folding top. Most probable origin: France. Period: second quarter of the 19th century. Dating: c. 1830–1850, probably c. 1835–1845. Style: Louis Philippe, with late Restoration influence. Material: solid cherry wood, secondary woods in the interior. Writing surface: black leather with stamped edge. Hardware: metal/brass and metal side supports for the folding top. Dimensions: 148 × 96 × 46 cm.

An important French folding desk in solid cherry wood, with an architectural composition and sober lines, featuring a tall, rectangular body, a strongly molded upper cornice, a folding top forming a writing surface, and numerous storage spaces. The piece has a beautiful brown and honey tone, with considerable natural variation in grain and patina. The upper part is finished with a molded and projecting cornice, with a doucine profile, a solution closely associated with Louis Philippe furniture. Just below is a wide upper compartment or drawer, practically hidden by the cornice structure itself (a secret compartment). The large folding top - The upper central area is dominated by a large rectangular molded panel that functions as a folding top. When closed, it presents an interesting design in cherry wood panels with different shades, creating natural horizontal stripes and highlighting the wood grain. When open, it transforms into a wide writing surface covered in black leather, with a narrow printed ornamental border. The top is laterally stabilized by two visually interesting and functional semicircular metal braces. Interior - one of the best elements of the piece. The interior is quite elaborate and constitutes one of the main selling points of the furniture. Behind the battant there is a veritable "théâtre" of a writing desk, organized in an approximately symmetrical way. It features: - a large open upper niche; - several small side drawers; - central compartments; - a drawer specifically for writing materials; - two molded longitudinal cavities, probably intended for pens or utensils; - a small central niche; - another lower drawer; - several circular metal handles. There are eight small internal drawers, in addition to the niches. The richness of this organization is superior to that of many more common Louis Philippe writing desks. The Mobilier National documents Louis Philippe examples with interiors containing five or six small drawers, while good examples from the period often have a true compartmentalized writing interior. Lower part - The lower area features larger storage drawers, with very simple fronts and circular metal handles. The furniture rests on a framed base with small cut-out feet, without excessive sculptural ornamentation. The sides are particularly interesting because they are not ordinary smooth surfaces: they are constructed with large framed panels, reinforcing the quality of the joinery. The simpler back confirms the traditional constructive hierarchy of 19th-century furniture: better woods and finishes on the surfaces intended to remain visible. France produced numerous Louis Philippe secrétaires in merisier/cherry wood, with leather, small drawer interiors, and a doucine cornice. A good institutional comparator – the Mobilier National has a Louis Philippe secrétaire with the same dimensions. The French example has three drawers, a leather-covered battant, and an interior with several small drawers. This greatly reinforces the chronological classification.

State of conservation – In very good condition, with signs of use. It presents almost imperceptible traces of old wood-boring activity, the piece having been treated and fumigated. The leather is marked and worn, but this doesn't necessitate replacement; its age contributes to the piece's historical appearance. Professional cleaning and proper care can significantly improve its appearance. See less