A superb mahogany inlaid secretaire chest dating from the mid 19th Century. We believe it originates from France due to the style and the locks. It is a well made piece of exceptional quality with inlaid strung borders and beautiful book-matched flame mahogany drawer fronts. It stands on shaped bracket feet and has brass ring pull handles which, although aren't original, do suit the piece well.
The third drawer down encloses a fitted secretaire and the front hinges down to reveal a series of small drawers and a dark leather writing surface.
There are four further drawers with the bottom one being of double depth, perhaps for boots or hats.
The whole piece is in excellent condition and displays well with a lovely rich patina. It has been sympathetically restored and gently repolished. There are signs of age and use and some minor marks and knocks and a few repairs to chips on the feet. There are some minor old shrinkage splits in the sides and the stringing on the very top surface has lifted slightly in places but isn't really noticeable due to the height. The interior is in good order and t
he drawers are generally clean and tidy and all open smoothly.
