French Antique Secretary Desk from Marchioness

This stellar little French Provincial secretary desk was handmade in the early 1800's, with beautiful burl walnut and rosewood banding.

The wonderful patina has lots of character, inkstains and wear. Inside are tiny drawers and compartments, wooden pegs are visible. The leather dropfront rests on pull out wooden supports, and the glowing old finish is exceptional for it's age.

A separate wooden base is removable, drawers have hand-cut dovetails.

This desk was said to have been purchased at Christie's 1970 London sale of property from the Dowager Marchionness of Tweeddale, whose ancestral home "Yester" is 21 miles from Edinbugh. Famed Italian composer of "Amahl and the Night Visitor," Gian Carlo Menotti, purchased the fabulous home at that time. Yester House, which has 85 rooms and 500 acres, was recently offered for sale again at 15 million pounds, termed by the Times as "the most expensive house in Scotland."

Size of the desk is 34" wide, 20" deep and 39" tall, the writing surface is 27" above the floor.

*This piece has been rephotographed and relisted.

Item # G-D1782