18th Century German Tabernacle Secretary, Walnut, Birchroot, Baroque, circa 1735

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18th Century German Tabernacle Secretary, Walnut, Birchroot, Baroque, circa 1735

About the Item

Baroque tabernacle secretary with rich marquetry Palatinate / Trier Walnut, birch burl a.o. Baroque around 1735 Dimensions: H x W x D: 190 x 126 x 79 cm Description: Very rare and in best quality manufactured writing cabinet, so called tabernacle secretary. The fine and detailed marquetry is eye-catching and highly impressive. If we compare the inlay work of the superimposed drawers with each other, we see that each form of design is unique - winding, geometric marquetry is complemented by floral elements such as blossoms and acanthus. The central door, which is at eye level, shows a cartouche-like enclosed and crowned coat of arms under a canopy held by a lion and dragon. Fire shading and fine engravings in the maple wood give the depiction a three-dimensional character. The body is predominantly veneered in walnut and birch burl. Thread inlays of bog oak and maple divide the surfaces rectangularly and provide contrasts. The four-part division on the sides of the base is unusual here; also worth mentioning is the corresponding fielding on the curved side panels that connect the two cornices. The early date of origin, around 1735, is indicated on the one hand by the four-row commode-like substructure and on the other hand by the shape of the marquetry. The original drop-shaped fittings as well as the ebonised mouldings and ball feet also correspond to the period. The piece of furniture consists of four parts: -The substructure is strongly concave in the middle and thus provides for an enlarged foot space when writing. The 16 drawers in total are made without locks and are closed by central locking mechanisms. -The writing section above has a slanted flap and two drawers on top of each other to the left and right. The flap is lockable. There are five further drawers inside. In addition, we find the solid central locks for the 16 drawers of the base as well as the split pin locks for the flanking drawers. -The top consists of the tabernacle door, a drawer underneath and eight further centrally locked drawers outside. -The upper finial is a pinned cornice component with head drawer. Condition: Restored condition with wonderful patina and a naturally matured wood tone. All drawers run cleanly and smoothly. The locks and locking mechanisms work perfectly. This outstanding piece of furniture is illustrated in the specialist literature: Wolfgang L. Eller - Schreibmöbel 1700-1850 p. 254 Fig. 231

Dimensions:
Height: 74.81 in (190 cm)Width: 49.61 in (126 cm)Depth: 31.11 in (79 cm)
Style:
Baroque (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Birch,Maple,Walnut,Marquetry
Place of Origin:
Germany
Period:
1730-1739
Date of Manufacture:
1735
Condition:
Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Restored condition with wonderful patina and a naturally matured wood tone. All drawers run cleanly and smoothly. The locks and locking mechanisms work perfectly.
Seller Location:
Greven, DE
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU5419231606112