Description
A fine English mahogany secretaire/ secretary/ bookcase/ china cabinet.
Of lovely rich colour, patina and quality. In superb condition.
George III-period, ca. 1760.
The bold, detachable swan-neck pediment carved with ‘Gothic’ open fretwork, spiral rosettes and a dentil cornice.
The pediment is centred by a small platform below which is a fluted panel. The bookcase/ cabinet section with two, thirteen-pane glazed doors, and three original adjustable shelves with applied beadings for the display of china, books, objets, collectors’ items etc.
The base with a pull-out writing section fitted with small drawers, two of which have secret releases. These secret drawers are faced with blind-fret Gothic tracery, and centred with a carved shaped arch.
The base with three cockbeaded drawers, and raised on bracket feet which are faced with blind fret.
This fine, sophisticated and well proportioned Georgian secretaire/ secretary/ cabinet/ desk/ bookcase is remarkable for having survived in its original state, including all swan-neck handles and locks.
Superb quality, colour, patination, well figured throughout, and with mahogany drawer linings; further confirmation of its quality.
A related antique bureau cabinet, formerly with Messrs. Hotspur, London, was sold Christies, ‘Important English Furniture’, 6th July 2000, lot 150.
A similar secretaire bookcase formerly with French & Co. New York, is illustrated in F. Lewis Hinckley, Metropolitan Furniture of the Georgian years (1988) p. 138, illustr. 212.
42″ wide
23″ deep
94″ high (without cartouche)
Ref. BHA 962.
