The long center shelf extends to form a leather topped writing surface while it’s cover is retracted inside the desk. This mechanism seems to emerge during the early 19th century and is purported to be an invention of the Jacob furniture firm and Napoleon himself. Here we see it’s use in a more domestic, however fine, later piece. The style and this use of mahogany is restoration or early Louis Philippe (circa 1830) in concept, but the style of the circular moldings framing the central keyhole indicates a circa 1850 dating.

The inside of the desk is finished in a contrasting lighter birds-eye maple, and other hidden mechanisms allow the drawers without keyholes to be all locked at once. These desks are sometimes referred to as bureaux à caissons, for the caissons or filing box style stack of drawers which effectively form two legs which rest solidly on a plinth. Overall, this is an unusual example of mid-19th century work, which without being a copy or a revival, is true in quality and style to a slightly earlier period (the end of the traditional timeline of the decorative arts circa 1830). The elements in gilded bronze comprise a wreath of Louis Philippe styled flowers and round pulls discreetly and finely chiseled with neoclassical friezes.

Height: 43.5 inches Length: 51.5 inches Depth: 25.75 inches

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