Object Description
A truly exceptional George III Period Inlaid Mahogany Library Secretaire Bookcase, the moulded cornice with a dentil above a crossbanded tear drop frieze with ebony drops . The two doors to the upper part separated by a beaded brass astragal and having Gothic-arch oval astragal glazing bars to the original glass and opening onto adjustable shelves, the base fitted with a fall front hinged secretaire drawer having a gilt tooled leather writing surface and an arrangement of small drawers around a central feature and with three further full width drawers below all retaining the original brass ring handles, the whole raised on elegant splayed bracket feet united by a shaped apron. Circa 1785
The central secretaire feature with the concave step is a feature of designs by George Hepplewhite published posthumously by his widow “The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer’s Guide” in 1788, 1789 and 1794 see Plate 44 and plate 68.(3rd. Edition).
The whole piece is crossbanded in Rosewood with Ebony and Boxwood line inlay throughout. The outstanding quality of this exciting piece suggests one of the very best makers and is reminiscent of the work of George Speer.
Height 93”, 236 cms, Width: 50”, 127 cms, Depth: 23”, 58.5 cms.