Object Description
Circa 1720. An early George I walnut bureau bookcase. Top moulded and cavetto cornice with two glazed doors beneath, each with four glazed panels with broad beaded astragals between them. The doors contain their original escutcheons. Beneath the glazed doors there are two pull out candle slides, the cleated flap with elegant brass escutcheon opens to reveal a well fitted interior with writing surface, shaped drawers, pigeonholes, secret compartments and a concealed well. To the front is a configuration of one faux full-length drawer, two short drawers each side with two deep drawers beneath. The two short drawers act as the loppers or rests for the flap when opened. The piece retains all the original cast brass swan neck handles with a pierced and engraved back plate which would have been gilded originally, and elegant escutcheons of similar shape and form. Beneath the bottom drawer there is a simple moulding, and the bureau finishes on squat ogee bracket feet. (Provenance ex. Rossie Priory, near Dundee, originally the home of Lord Kinnaird).
206cm H, 98cm W, 56cm D