A handsome secrétaire à abattant in flame mahogany, opening by a top drawer dissimulated in the cornice, a fall front writing surface, and three lower drawers.

The circa 1820 desk is topped with “Belgian black” marble. A type of dark limestone found in several sites in Belgium, and a common choice for pieces of this masculine and austere neoclassical style.

Pilasters with gilded bronze corinthian capitals frame the façade of the piece. The key escutcheons are also in gilded bronze but they, as well as the other hardware, have then dirtied with age and were then varnished. The new owner of this piece could remove them for cleaning if a much brighter gilded effect is desired.

The fall front is covered in green leather, a color choice which contrasts the red of the mahogany, but was also thought to be good for the eyes. Secret drawers deploy inside at the touch of hidden buttons.

Height: 56.25 inches. Length: 39 inches. Depth: 15.5 inches.

Myers & Monroe, LLC