Antique French 19th century Mazarin Desk in the Andre Boulle manner.

This is a very rare find. It is a genuine antique 19th century French Desk in the famous Andre Boulle manner. This style of desk was originally designed and made for the Cardinal Mazarin who was the Chief Minister of France in the mid 1600s.

The top is Ebonised with profuse brass inlay and has a cast gilt bronze edge molding with raised applied cast bronze corner mounts.

The case of the desk comprises of two bow fronted semi pedestals each with three full width and stacked drawers that are also ebonised and profusely inlaid with chased brass marquetry. On either side of the drawers are cantered corners with applied curved and brass inlaid ‘columns’ and below each pedestal of drawers are corner positioned squared and tapered ebonised legs with chased brass marquetry plus upper and lower squared gilt Bronze mounts terminating in applied bronze circular feet. Each of the four legs of each pedestal of drawers are connected by curved ‘X’ cross stretchers with chased brass inlay. In the knee hole section beneath the top and between the banks of drawers is a wider serpentine fronted drawer with a curved cupboard. Both are also Ebonised and profusely embellished with chased brass marquetry.

The desk is double sided in that it is finished all the way around so it may be featured free standing in a room . The rear of the desk is finished and inlaid the same as the front side except the drawers and cupboard are faux.

All drawers and cupboards are complete with original locks and the image shows that we have the key and can have others made if required.

Condition: Over all very good for age however does require some relatively minor conservation which we can organise to be professionally done.

Size: Width 138cm x Depth 75cm x Height 87cm.

Price: This desk may be purchased two ways - No 1. in as is good condition for $19,000 or No 2. professionally attended to for an extra amount at a cost price to us.

Sellers Observation: This desk is as rare as hens teeth and rocking horse manure. Overseas they command spectacular prices. The closest virtually identical structurally and detail wise was a red one on an international selling site in restored condition for $74,000 and I have the reference and images to show any prospective buyer. This one should be sent overseas to sell on the international market. Probably never will you be able to buy such a rare item in this country again at this price.

The images are not very good as this piece is in our warehouse however we hope to have better images soon.

Ref: D 9