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19th Century French Secretaire Flap "Billet Doux", Also Called "Portfolio"
About the Item
Secretaire flap "Billet douce", also called "portfolio"
Veneer of Amboyna burl, rosewood and blackened sticks, resting on two pilasters carried by two fluted pads connected by a turned and fluted spacer.
It opens with a flap, Interior in lemontree presenting, in addition to a tablet sheathed in leather, mail lockers and a pen tray with its original glass tank. The upper part reveals a secret compartment operated by a concealed pusher.
Louis Philippe Period
Circa 1840
Measures: 118 × 58 × 16 cm closed
118 × 58 × 45 cm open
This kind of furniture which appeared at the beginning of the 19th century derives from the fireplace screen to which, under Louis XVI, a writing desk was sometimes added. Here, if there is no longer any question of a fireplace, we keep the spirit of an elegant light piece of furniture, space-saving, in which some mail accessories can be placed, with its inkwell and sand box, pens and paper. Nothing more than to write a word, a "love letter" at most, and no literary work, which the piece of furniture would not resist. Let's dare to "gender" this piece of furniture: in the spirit of the times, it is the quintessence of refined femininity. Luxu-ry furniture, by its destination, it is also by the quality of its manufacture.
- Dimensions:Height: 46.46 in (118 cm)Width: 22.84 in (58 cm)Depth: 17.72 in (45 cm)
- Style:Louis Philippe (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:Wood,Parquetry
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1840
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Saint-Ouen, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2612331478682
About the Seller
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1stDibs seller since 2017
56 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Saint-Ouen, France
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
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