French Empire-Style Secretary [SOLD]
SPECIAL! SPECIAL! SPECIAL!
This is a first but I am posting a special piece for a friend who is moving and needs to quickly find a new home for a spectacularly beautiful French Empire-Style Secretary Desk, a.k.a. Secrétaire à Abattant. This style, popularized from 1804-1815, was inspired by Greco-Roman models: spare, noble, massive – consistent with Napoleonic majesty. It is characterized by flat surfaces and sharp corners to produce an effect of grandeur that is accentuated with exquisite wood veneers, symmetrical bronze fittings and ornamentation, and oftentimes marble tops.
This piece retains its original finish and is being sold as-is. There are minor losses and chips to some veneers, but as you see in the photos the French-polish on the book-matched crotch and burl veneers reveals a beautiful depth of finish. The bright yellow metalwork, including the symmetrical cherubs and floral centerpiece, is a striking contrast to the mahogany-red finish. Look at the carved feet – I think they are piscine?
The top portion hinges down gracefully to create a huge work surface, revealing five drawers and more than a dozen cubbyholes to organize your important papers. At the end of the day any remaining clutter can then be hidden by swinging up the lid and locking it away with the included key. Below the lower paired doors are open to your imagination. You could boringly fill it with file folders and/or office supplies, but how about using it to stash your Tequila collection and margarita glasses? This area also locks!
I have not restored this piece. However, it is in good original unaltered condition, appropriate with the use of its age. The price reflects that status. (This is quite a deal. Recent sales on Charish show double the asking price for similar pieces.) The current owner is moving this week. Regrettably some very fine and treasured furniture quickly needs a new home. Help me make that connection!
Dimensions: H 57” x W 38 x D 16”
$1500 Negotiable. Cash, Venmo, PayPal accepted.
#takomaparkmd #CommunityForklift #furniturerestoration #furniturerehab #furniturelove #frenchempirefurniture #empirefurniture
SPECIAL! SPECIAL! SPECIAL!
This is a first but I am posting a special piece for a friend who is moving and needs to quickly find a new home for a spectacularly beautiful French Empire-Style Secretary Desk, a.k.a. Secrétaire à Abattant. This style, popularized from 1804-1815, was inspired by Greco-Roman models: spare, noble, massive – consistent with Napoleonic majesty. It is characterized by flat surfaces and sharp corners to produce an effect of grandeur that is accentuated with exquisite wood veneers, symmetrical bronze fittings and ornamentation, and oftentimes marble tops.
This piece retains its original finish and is being sold as-is. There are minor losses and chips to some veneers, but as you see in the photos the French-polish on the book-matched crotch and burl veneers reveals a beautiful depth of finish. The bright yellow metalwork, including the symmetrical cherubs and floral centerpiece, is a striking contrast to the mahogany-red finish. Look at the carved feet – I think they are piscine?
The top portion hinges down gracefully to create a huge work surface, revealing five drawers and more than a dozen cubbyholes to organize your important papers. At the end of the day any remaining clutter can then be hidden by swinging up the lid and locking it away with the included key. Below the lower paired doors are open to your imagination. You could boringly fill it with file folders and/or office supplies, but how about using it to stash your Tequila collection and margarita glasses? This area also locks!
I have not restored this piece. However, it is in good original unaltered condition, appropriate with the use of its age. The price reflects that status. (This is quite a deal. Recent sales on Charish show double the asking price for similar pieces.) The current owner is moving this week. Regrettably some very fine and treasured furniture quickly needs a new home. Help me make that connection!
Dimensions: H 57” x W 38 x D 16”
$1500 Negotiable. Cash, Venmo, PayPal accepted.
#takomaparkmd #CommunityForklift #furniturerestoration #furniturerehab #furniturelove #frenchempirefurniture #empirefurniture
SPECIAL! SPECIAL! SPECIAL!
This is a first but I am posting a special piece for a friend who is moving and needs to quickly find a new home for a spectacularly beautiful French Empire-Style Secretary Desk, a.k.a. Secrétaire à Abattant. This style, popularized from 1804-1815, was inspired by Greco-Roman models: spare, noble, massive – consistent with Napoleonic majesty. It is characterized by flat surfaces and sharp corners to produce an effect of grandeur that is accentuated with exquisite wood veneers, symmetrical bronze fittings and ornamentation, and oftentimes marble tops.
This piece retains its original finish and is being sold as-is. There are minor losses and chips to some veneers, but as you see in the photos the French-polish on the book-matched crotch and burl veneers reveals a beautiful depth of finish. The bright yellow metalwork, including the symmetrical cherubs and floral centerpiece, is a striking contrast to the mahogany-red finish. Look at the carved feet – I think they are piscine?
The top portion hinges down gracefully to create a huge work surface, revealing five drawers and more than a dozen cubbyholes to organize your important papers. At the end of the day any remaining clutter can then be hidden by swinging up the lid and locking it away with the included key. Below the lower paired doors are open to your imagination. You could boringly fill it with file folders and/or office supplies, but how about using it to stash your Tequila collection and margarita glasses? This area also locks!
I have not restored this piece. However, it is in good original unaltered condition, appropriate with the use of its age. The price reflects that status. (This is quite a deal. Recent sales on Charish show double the asking price for similar pieces.) The current owner is moving this week. Regrettably some very fine and treasured furniture quickly needs a new home. Help me make that connection!
Dimensions: H 57” x W 38 x D 16”
$1500 Negotiable. Cash, Venmo, PayPal accepted.
#takomaparkmd #CommunityForklift #furniturerestoration #furniturerehab #furniturelove #frenchempirefurniture #empirefurniture