Antique Empire Style Bibliotheque/Secretaire
2806-712194
(Click the Item No. for an inquiry)89.5 x 91 x 24
Price: $16,800.00

It was difficult to conceal our excitement when we discovered this museum-quality relic from the Napoleon III Period! Unique in its design, materials and execution, one can only marvel at its many wonders. Crafted exclusively from expensive imported mahogany, it was styled in the manner of the First Empire in honor of Napoleon III's uncle, Napoleon Bonaparte. Ancient Egyptian styling is evident in the abundant bronze dore mounts, of which there are no less than eleven distinct castings. Architecurally, it features a boldly molded crown with distinctive concave center section, all framed by full length tapered columns that have been lavished below and above with bronze dore mounts. The center mount on the concave cabinet doors is perhaps the most unusual depicting a swan erupting in flight, with the graceful neck configured to swivel and act as the pull for the doors. Faux drawers below on each side actually are cabinet doors, providing a copious amount of storage. Open display areas on each side flank the most intriguing part~ a tambour desk with small cabinets above and inside, plus a pull-out writing surface that has been newly fitted with a hand-tooled sheepskin leather top. One look at the little drawers inside the desk reveals the incredible quality. Each has been crafted from solid mahogany and hand-dovetailed and hand-chamfered to fit precisely in each appointed drawer cavity.
Truly a masterpiece of mid-nineteenth century French craftsmanship!
Circa 1860.
Measures a grand 89.5 x 91 x 24.