A Régence ormolu-mounted amaranth bureau plat

the rectangular top with a leather writing surface, surrounded by a molded ormolu border and marked at the corners with foliate clasps cast with cabochons; the frieze with a slightly recessed center drawer flanked by a pair of drawers outlined with chiselled, leaf-cast and gadrooned ormolu borders, fitted with scrolled ormolu handles flanked by oak leaves, the sides centered by satyrs' masks, raised on cabriole legs fitted with ormolu chutes cast with stylized shell and wave motifs and palm fronds, continuing to hairy paw feet.  Remounted and possibly reveneered.

By repute, Collection of Lord and Lady de Saumarez

With Maurice Segoura, Paris

Acquired from the above, 1979

The celebrated collection inherited in the late 1940s by the Hon. Victor Saumarez and his wife (later Lord and Lady de Saumarez) included French furniture which had been placed in the 'Louis XV' rooms at Shrubland Park, originally designed by James Paine for the Rev. John Bacon.  Some of Paine's original rooms were remodelled in the late 1840s by the then owner, Sir William Fowle Middle, 2nd. Bt, in the 'Louis XV' style.  At that time important pieces of French furniture were acquired including a commode in the manner of Migeon, sold, Sotheby's, London, June 8, 2005, lot 35.