Mahogany secretary, Louis XVI style, Napoleonic III period – 2nd half of the 19th century.

This superb Louis XVI secretary in solid mahogany and mahogany veneer captivates with the balance of its proportions and the nobility of its materials. It is crowned with a grey marble veined with brown, delicately surrounded by a brass moulding forming a corbin beak, which elegantly highlights the silhouette of the piece. The façade, rhythmically adorned with fine brass inlay, showcases the warm depth of the mahogany. The secretary opens with an upper drawer, a drop front, and three lower drawers, offering a clear and functional organisation. The drop front reveals a well-appointed interior consisting of three drawers with lens knobs and a central niche, ideal for storing correspondence and writing accessories. It is lined with new black leather, embellished with a gilded vignette and a central motif of arabesques, adding an extra touch of elegance to the workspace. The five locks and their original keys, all in perfect working order, attest to the integrity and quality of this piece. The fluted brass columns, the brass mouldings encircling the whole, as well as the turned feet finished with a collar and a brass sabot, precisely recall the codes of the Louis XVI style and give this secretary a noble and timeless appearance. An elegant and bright piece, this secretary brilliantly combines functionality, authenticity, and decor, and will naturally find its place in a classic, contemporary, or professional interior. Period: 2nd half of the 19th century. Excellent condition inside and out after restoration in our workshop. Waxed finish. Reference 455V.