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19th Century French Mahogany Writing Desk

$4,400List Price

About the Item

A handsome nearly 200 year old French Restoration (1815-1830) / Louis Philippe (1830-1848) Period mahogany bureau plat with beautifully aged patina. Born in France during the first half of the 19th century, hand-crafted of warm rich solid mahogany, highly figured flame mahogany veneer, and solid oak secondary; smaller proportions as after the Revolution the increasingly affluent middle class sought well-made pieces, many of these people, while wealthy, lived in small houses and apartments, requiring smaller scale fine furniture. Crafted with influences of earlier Empire, Louis XVI and Directoire style; featuring a rectangular top retaining the original heavily distressed gilt tooled black leather writing surface, flanked by a pair of extension slides with original inset black leather panel that increases the work surface to 77 inches; above a solid wooden case fitted with four drawers, including bankers box safe double drawer with once locking wooden cover; finished on all sides, having faux drawer fronts affixed with scrolling foliate shield escutcheons on the back, the sides adorned with classical gilt bronze mounts, rising on tapered square legs. circa 1825-1845 Dimensions: (approx) 29.5" High, 52" Wide, 26" Deep Historical Background: Napoleon’s love of empire and conquest led to his downfall. Following his defeat at Waterloo in 1815, the Bourbon Dynasty was restored to the French throne. Louis XVIII (1815-1823) and Charles X (1823-1830), both brothers of Louis XVI, were the last of the true Bourbon kings. They both sought to revive the culture of the former monarchy. The Restauration period was a reaction to the pomp and grandeur of the Empire period. Napoleon’s undoing coincided with the Industrial Revolution and new processes in furniture making. The aristocracy and royalty desired to recapture the comforts and refinement of their former lifestyles. This, combined with an increasingly prosperous middle class, brought about a greater demand for furniture. King Louis Philippe ruled France between 1830 and 1848. This style became fashionable during his reign, eventually getting its name from the monarch. In the years following the French Revolution and after the fall of Napoleon, aristocrats, who had fled the country during the French Revolution, returned, and quickly realized that their furniture and belongings had been confiscated, seized and sold during and after the Revolution, and they had little money to buy new expensive pieces. During the short lived Bourbon Dynasty Restauration (1815-1830), the ruler, King Louis XVIII (1815-1823) preferred the Empire style, so French furniture made in this design continued. After King Charles X (1823-1830) issued reparations, wealthy families were once again able to purchase high-quality furniture. Cabinetmakers resumed the tradition of innovative design. The increasingly affluent middle class also sought well-made pieces, leading to a higher demand for French furniture. Many of these people, while wealthy, lived in small houses and apartments. Their need for pieces that fit in their homes resulted in pieces that are still highly sought-after because of their smaller size, such as this rather petite antique writing desk. Louis Philippe furniture was functional, elegant, but still very simple. These characteristics have helped contribute to the style’s longevity. Today, Louis Philippe pieces remain highly sought-after and stylish items. Condition: Great original unrestored 200 year old antique condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Detailed Condition Report: Strong, sturdy, stable and structurally sound, the desk presents well, with nicely aged dark rich patina over the whole. Retaining antique character marks throughout, including heavily worn leather with discoloration and fading, minor scattered veneer losses, evidence of old touchups and past restorations, two keyhole escutcheons, lacking original key but nonfunctional skeleton key included. Overall a wonderful example, full of sophisticated antique character, elegant classic warmth, and rich historical depth that can only be acquired over long periods of time. Delivered cleaned, waxed, hand rubbed polished French patina finish, ready for immediate use! Pickup available in Forney, Texas. Just outside Dallas / Rockwall Worldwide professional shipping available

Dimensions:
Height: 29.5 in (74.93 cm)Width: 52 in (132.08 cm)Depth: 26 in (66.04 cm)
Style:
Restauration (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Leather,Mahogany,Oak
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
Mid-19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1825-1845
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Great original unrestored 200 year old antique condition. Nicely aged dark rich patina. Wear consistent with age and use. Retaining original antique character throughout. Distressed worn original leather. See description and photos. Ready for use!
Seller Location:
Forney, TX
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU5977232358342

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