Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 11

Miniature Antique English Apprentice Model Salesman Sample Drop-Front Bureau

$1,795
£1,358.04
€1,567.39
CA$2,507.12
A$2,787.43
CHF 1,459.05
MX$34,186.95
NOK 18,577.44
SEK 17,539.30
DKK 11,696.38
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

A rare and handsome English Arts & Crafts period miniature oak bureau from the early 20th century with nicely aged patina. Exquisitely hand-crafted in England over a century ago, exceptionally executed, the diminutive piece of furniture having a trio of arcaded open niche pigeon holes, over a hinged slant-front panel with relief carved scrolling foliate decoration, central cartouche dated 1914, opening to reveal original orange felt covered writing surface, which could be used as a larger storage compartment or shelf, the additional work space provided by the drop-front desk supported by a pair of functional pull out slides, over a chest of six drawers of varied size, original patinated brass fittings throughout, rising on shaped bracket feet. Often there is debate over whether miniature furniture was made as an apprentice piece, which is when a craftsmen who is looking for a job at a workshop would create something to showcase their talents, or whether it was made as a travelling salesman sample piece, which is when a few articles were made as scale models in advance of a road trip on which the salesman would travel the country showing prospective clients the kind of items they could produce back at the workshop and take orders from. This beautiful piece was almost certainly handmade as a traveling salesman sample due it being quite rare to find a miniature bureau, especially of this stature which incorporates this level of quality and detail, right down to the functional slide-out supports. Superb condition, highly desirable original, unrestored, untouched condition. Presents splendidly, with rich antique oak glow, beautiful color, elegantly aged, warm, rustic, patina over the whole. Attractive, very charming and a highly collectible example, in addition to a unique display piece / decorative object, it would make an excellent jewelry casket, small table cabinet, decorative box or organizer, sure to make for a wonderful addition to any home or collection. Dimensions (approx): 12.5"H, 13"W, 6.5"D.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 12.5 in (31.75 cm)Width: 13 in (33.02 cm)Depth: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)
  • Style:
    Arts and Crafts (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Dated 1914
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Forney, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5977227339772

More From This Seller

View All
Early 19th Century French Empire Period Bureau a Cylindre Gentleman's Desk
Located in Forney, TX
A exceptionally rare Period French Empire (1804-1814) walnut bureau a cylindre. Exquisitely hand-crafted in France, most likely Parisian work, dating to the early 19th century, the large antique cylinder desk...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

19th Century American Country General Store Carpenter Model Trade Shop Display
Located in Forney, TX
A rare, unusual, and most charming diminutive hand-crafted Gold Rush era American country general store counter merchant desk. Mid-19th century, United States, most likely commissi...
Category

Antique 19th Century American Industrial Models and Miniatures

Materials

Wrought Iron

19th C. French Empire Style Louis Philippe Period Secretaire Abattant
Located in Forney, TX
A Louis Philippe period (1830–1848) fruitwood secretaire abattant fall front desk. Born in France in the mid-19th century, hand-crafted of rich solid fruitwood with warm wood tones, subtle grain detail, and nicely aged mellow patina over the whole. Finished in French Empire taste, having a molded cornice, concealed ogee frieze drawer with dovetail joinery, over fall front panel, opening to reveal original fitted interior gallery, with inset gilt tooled leather writing surface, large open shelf cubby, six drawers of various size, above double-door cabinet with brass shield escutcheon that opens to provide generous storage space, and an additional lower drawer for valuables hidden in the base molding, rising on square feet. Dimensions: (approx) 56.75" High 41" Wide, 17.5" Deep History/Back Story: Louis Philippe furniture had the same types and forms as the earlier French Restoration style, but with less decoration; comfort was the primary consideration. During the turbulent French Revolution and following Napoleon rule, Louis Philippe (1773-1850) remained in exile for 21 years until the Bourbon Restoration, when he became the King of the French from 1830 to 1848. For the first time, the developing upper class–not the monarchy–influenced the progression of this style’s characteristics. However, King Louis Philippe’s personality still inspired many aspects.  His casual nature reflected this style’s informal, comfortable build. Much of the style was taken from the personality of the King himself. Unlike his Bourbon predecessors, he wore business dress...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Secretaires

Materials

Leather, Fruitwood

Early 19th Century English Regency Period Sewing Table
Located in Forney, TX
An elegant Regency period English mahogany and rosewood work table, circa 1815, in the manner of Gillows, having an attractive flame mahogany top with rope trim detail, above a singl...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Regency Side Tables

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany, Rosewood

19th Century Tennessee American Classical Jackson Press
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce American Classical cherrywood Jackson Press with beautifully aged mellow patina, dating to the first half of the 19th century. Born in Tennes...
Category

Antique 19th Century American American Classical Commodes and Chests of ...

Materials

Cherry, Poplar, Pine

Biedermeier Period Burlwood Table Cabinet Of Curiosities Wunderkammer 19th C.
Located in Forney, TX
A fine Biedermeier Period (1815-1848) walnut maple burlwood marquetry table cabinet - wunderkammer (cabinet of curiosities) with fifteen drawers and concealed secret compartments, circa 1820. This architectural curiosity cabinet is a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of European craftsmen from the early 19th century. The highly figured quilted wood grain, warm rich burled walnut panels, and hand sculpted and molded ebonized wood exterior boasts a dark, lustrous sheen, while delicate hand carved details adorn its surface, showcasing the finesse and precision of its creator. Probably Southern Germany, most likely Augsburg, having a rectangular raised top with visible hand cut dovetail joint case housing a single drawer, over exquisite stepped moulded ebony transition into large double door cabinet with the original hand forged iron hardware, opening to reveal an interior fitted with eleven drawers surrounding a single locking cupboard door, unlocking to reveal a stunning eight-pointed star marquetry inlaid spring loaded niche panel with hidden release, when triggered the niche slides out to reveal a trio of hidden storage compartments, including a deep bin and two small hidden drawers for the owners most precious valuables. Rising on shaped ebonized wood molding, over a distinctive masculine scalloped skirt, resting on ball feet. Every inch of this remarkable antique cabinet reflects the warmth and depth of European craftsmanship during the early 19th century — a period celebrated for its quality, superior craftsmanship, comfort, and viewpoint furniture was meant to be publicly displayed. The intricate detailing, exotic and expensive materials, ingenuity and artistry transport you to a time of sophisticated elegance and refinement. Place this exceptional cabinet in a distinguished office or collectors study, an opulent living room, as a monumental jewelry...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Apothecary Cabinets

Materials

Iron

You May Also Like

19th Century Dutch Miniature Secretaire Cabinet
Located in Casteren, NL
19th century miniature secretaire cabinet made from Oakwood. Decorative object, can be used as jewelry/letter box. Originates Netherlands, dating, circa 1800
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Dutch Models and Miniatures

Materials

Oak

Antique Jewelers/Watchmakers Desk
By Rolex
Located in East Freetown, MA
Antique two tone watchmakers/jewelers desk with fifteen drawers, two shelves and canvas surfaced slide out work top. This desk also has a foot rest. The ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique subtle English secretary from the 19th century with a beautiful interior
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This beautiful antique English secretaire is not only a stunning decorative piece but also highly practical and versatile. You can use it as a writing desk, or it can serve excellent...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Secretaires

Materials

Wood

French Miniature Louis Lvi Style Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
French miniature Louis LVI style secretary with fall front opening and bronze doré Mounts. Circa 1840.
Category

Antique 1840s French Models and Miniatures

Materials

Wood

Early 19th Century Fall-Front Desk
Located in Buchanan, MI
Handsome and functional Regency mahogany fall front desk, server, entry way piece, great inlay, elegant form. Exceptional exaggerated arched foot.
Category

Antique 19th Century North American Federal Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany, Satin

19th Century Miniature Bureau Bookcase
Located in Pomona, CA
Miniature bureau bookcase or secretary made from oak wood and brass. 1820, Made in Belgium.
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Belgian Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass