Superb French Empire Mahogany Secretaire c1810 Start Price USD 9,000.00 Current Price USD 9,000.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, November 12, 2008 End Time Saturday, November 22, 2008 Location Herndon, VA See more about 'Superb French Empire Mahogany Secretaire c1810' Description ๏ This Empire secretary was likely made from old-growth Caribbean mahogany, the last to be imported to France before the War of 1812 ended those shipments A large central drawer surmounts the fall-front, which opens to reveal eight drawers, one “secret,” and a shelf ending in miniature columns. The lower part has two cupboard doors, a single shelf within. The ornamentation is of chiseled gilded bronze—female heads in the Egyptian style and lion muzzles. Lacquered wooden black claw feet., with imitation bronze details. Black/grey marble top. Leather writing surface in excellent condition. ๏ Restored finish. Locks plus keys. Condition: excellent. ๏ L 38.5” x W 15.5” x H 57” ๏ Purchased by my husband and me at auction in Paris, when he was in the US diplomatic corps (Beaussant Lefevre commissionaires priseurs. Auction 16 Mai 1997. Catalogue illustration lot 286, p. 93.) French auction catalogue description: Secretaire rectangulaire, en acajou et placage d’acajou. Il ouvre en partie superieure par un large tiroir, au centre par un abattant qui decourvert huit tiroirs dont un a secret, et a partie inferieure par deux portes. Montants gaines. Ornements de bronze cisele et redore a tetes d’Egyptienne, mufles de lion. Pieds griffes en bois laque noire imitant le bronze patine. Dessure de marbre gris. ๏ Appraised replacement value $20,000 for insurance purchases (Oct. 2007) Buyer will be charged actual shipping and handling costs. We will obtain estimates for serious buyers after you contact us. Place a Bid!