Dimensions
Height (max) is 92.5 inches. Height of upper bookcase is 52 inches. Height of lower case is 40.5 inches
Width (max) 45.5 inches
Depth of upper case is 13 inches. Depth of lower case is 23 inches
Full Description
A most impressive and fine quality secretaire bookcase with satinwood and ebony inlays to the well figured mahogany. Tall and elegant, no detail or cost has been spared in its construction and the bookcase top has a well formed cornice, overlaid with satinwood and crossed with ebony stringing with runs across the top with a central rosewood cartouche and around both side panels. The flanking columns have strands of satinwood stringing terminating in leafy tips, again with ebony inlays and the adjustable shelves original with channel carving to the leading edge.
The doors are glazed with what appears to be the original hand made glass throughout and this is set within well shaped astagral bars. The bookcase doors open and close smoothly and property and retain an original brass cover strip
The locks and gilt brass handles are original, the handles are cast with double star motif, and the upper bookcase and secretaire drawer both have working keys.
The interior of the secretaire drawer is wonderful with the satinwood veneers all perfectly matched and bright with natural chatoyancy. The small turned bone handles original also and each of the tiny drawers with full mahogany linings and minutely dovetailed joints.
The drawer has a fall front with original brass press button releases inside and substantial original arched slides. It opens to provide a level and firm writing surface at a comfortable height for a normal dining chair (of a seat height 18-20 inches or so). The fall is inset with a good quality olive green and gold tooled leather skiver and the hinges are original also.
The drawer front is inlaid in satinwood and ebony as are the flanks of the lower case, of attractive form to mirror the astagral glazing above and which are repeatd on the side panels on a rosewood ground, and with a deep crossbanding of satinwood crossed with ebony at both waist and plinth, again which continues on the side panels.
The drawers below the secretaire all with original oak linings and all open and close smoothly with ebonised cockbeading and original escutcheons and locks.
All set on original tall turned feet. The bookcase separates into upper and lower case for transport and there are locating screws which secure the bookcase top onto the base once in place.
A beautiful and elegant example with no significant faults or worm and with only superficial dings, marks and tiny restorations consistent with age and caring use.Made by skilled hands in c. 1820
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