Antique Biedermeier Mahogany Cylinder Roll Secretary Desk With Conch Shell Inlay

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With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this truly remarkable antique secretary desk. … Read more With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this truly remarkable antique secretary desk. This magnificent example was made during the 19th century in Austria at the height of the Biedermeier design movement. We could not be prouder to bring this exquisite desk to market as it in unquestionably among the finest pieces of antique Biedermeier furniture that we have ever encountered. Every aspect of this desk is made from the highest quality materials by artisans working at the height of their abilities. The entire desk consists of a beautiful selection of mahogany lumber with yew wood secondary boards chosen for the interior drawer boxes. This desk is comprised of two primary sections, with a smaller removable upper cabinet resting over the larger base unit. The cylinder roll mechanism is designed to rotate backwards into the frame of the desk easily when the writing platform is pulled outward while the desk is in use. Both of these components are counter-balanced to each other so that the desk lid retracts in a steadily controlled manner.

The top of this secretary desk features two tambour doors with variegated barber pole inlay which slide open along a grooved track to reveal an upper storage compartment with a vertical partition. The doors rest above four smaller drawers that are each fashioned with geometric brickwork inlay arranged in a rectangular panel. Either side of the top section feature open lattice work inlay created in stunning detail. The central element of this writing desk is the reticulated floral basket masterfully inlaid with lighter satinwood variegated woods. There are four quarter spandrels designed with plumes of ostrich feathers and further enhanced with brickwork bands of inlay that consist of hundreds of tiny hand-cut pieces of wood. Two prominent nautical conch shell patterns are inlaid into the case with the exacting detail only a master pattern maker could ever accomplish. The lowest base panel situated in the front of this desk is similarly inlaid with brick-work banding and arranged in a fantastical geometric design.

The desk has three primary drawers that are graduated in size from smallest to largest and fitted with Rococo brass hardware and inset locks. The drawers are further decorated with inlaid brickwork pattern bands in a highly stylized geometric pattern. The outer corners of the desk beside the three main drawers are adorned with trailing vine inlays perfectly presented in a flowing naturalistic manner. There are twin diamond inlays opposing each other situated just above the fluted feet which support the desk. The writing lid opens to reveal a valance door flanked by twin pilaster inlaid panels and ten individual short drawers. The outer arrangement of drawers is oriented in a spiraling step-back format and rest aside concealed upper valance drawers with cupid's bow scrollwork. It was common to place gold, coins, or jewelry in these secret drawers as they are fitted so well into the interior only a thorough inspection would reveal the cleverly hidden elements. The left side drawer with a pilaster inlay also serves as a secret compartment for the safekeeping of valuable property. We note small losses of inlay and wooden detail consistent throughout the case and minimal restorative work required to prevent further loss.

This Biedermeier secretary desk measures 48 3/4" wide x 23 3/4" deep x 56 1/2" tall with a clearance height of 29 1/2" beneath the pull out writing surface. The total writing surface space available measures 42 3/4" wide x 13" deep on either end and 19" of usable depth at the inlaid pilaster form decorative panels. See less