An important “roll-top” or technically a cylinder desk circa 1800, in the early Napoleonic empire style, aesthetically transitioning out of the late 18th century. The form is empire, being imposing and statuary, with squared and tapered feet which are bolder than the smaller cylindrical legs of the previous period.

The white marble top enclosed by a gilded bronze gallery is a vestige of the 18th century, but here the open-worked motif of lozenges has been updated to early 19th century tastes. The locking mechanisms are also lozenge in shape, or more specifically “diamond,” as these special locks were designed after the house of cards. The column of the special key is this a hollow diamond shape which fits perfectly into the keyhole. These mechanisms rendered such locks harder to pick while also adding layers of quality and subtle decorative value to the desk.

The desk is finished on all sides with large sections of mahogany veneer, showing how such pieces were originally placed away from the wall. The unusual and fine gilded bronze ornamentation seems to be an enhancement made a few decades after this desk was created. Originally, it would have had small fillets of brass inlaid around the keyholes, identical in color to the original brass hooves or sabots retained by the legs.

The inside of the desk features various secret compartments and the right hand exterior drawer contains a lock-box or safe.

Dimensions: Height: 50.5 Length 56 inches Depth: 30 inches

Myers & Monroe, LLC