DESCRIPTION
A 19th-century French Empire walnut secrétaire cabinet, combining the appearance of a traditional tall chest with an ingenious arrangement of concealed storage and writing compartments.
The moulded top sits above a lift-up compartment, modelled as two dummy drawer fronts and supported by a pull-out slide. Beneath are two drawers with hinged fall fronts opening to reveal shelved interiors, above a further four graduated drawers. The thoughtful arrangement provides a combination of concealed storage, shelving and drawer space, making the cabinet both practical and versatile.
The chest retains brass lion's mask ring-drop handles and shield-shaped escutcheons. The locks appear to be original, and the cabinet is accompanied by two working keys.
Closely related in form to the French semainier, this is an unusual and well-designed piece that would be equally suited for use in a bedroom, study or hallway.
DIMENSIONS
Height: 162cm
Width: 84cm
Depth: 63cm
CONDITION
The cabinet is in good, solid condition and presents well overall. There are light marks, knocks and scratches consistent with its age and use. There is some historic movement to the veneer, principally to the upper drawer front, resulting in minor splitting and lifting, although the veneer remains stable. Minor splits to the sides have been closed and reinforced internally.
One of the retaining hooks for a hinged fall front is missing, although the flap remains supported by the fixing on the opposite side and functions as intended. The drawers run smoothly, the concealed storage compartment and hinged fall fronts operate correctly, and the locks appear to be original. Two working keys are included.
Overall, this is an attractive and practical nineteenth-century French cabinet with honest signs of age and use
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ABOUT ALSO
Thank you for viewing this piece from Also Antique Furniture.
We carefully select antique furniture and decorative objects for their quality, craftsmanship, character and individuality. Our tastes are broad, and we’re happy to be led by the piece rather than a particular period or style. Above all, we choose things we genuinely admire and would be happy to have in our own home.
Every item is individually inspected, researched and professionally photographed, with clear descriptions and honest condition reports to help you buy with confidence.
We believe good furniture should have a long life. Choosing antique keeps well-made furniture and existing materials in use, and we favour sympathetic restoration that preserves the patina and character acquired over generations.
VIEWING
Viewing is welcome by appointment at our premises in North Yorkshire, on the border with Lancashire. If there is anything you would like to know before purchasing, we are always happy to answer questions or provide additional photographs.
DELIVERY & COLLECTION
Collection is welcome by arrangement.
We can usually arrange delivery throughout mainland UK using trusted independent couriers, charged at cost. As a general guide, delivery for an average-sized chest of drawers is typically £80–£100. Larger items and more remote locations will incur higher charges.
Most deliveries are completed within approximately two weeks, although faster delivery may sometimes be available. Please contact us with your postcode for a delivery quotation before purchasing.
AUTHENTICITY & CONDITION
We strive to describe every item as accurately and honestly as possible. Statements regarding age, attribution, origin and provenance are offered in good faith and represent our professional opinion based on the information available at the time of listing.
As all of our items are antique or vintage, signs of age and use should be expected. Old repairs, knocks, wear, variations in colour and other minor imperfections are often part of a piece’s history and character. Where condition affects its integrity, appearance or usefulness, we will endeavour to make this clear in the description.