Maxime Secretant A FINE AND RARE EMPIRE STYLE GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED BURR AMBOYNA CABINET PARIS, 1923, MOST PROBABLY A UNIQUE PIECE

of breakfronted demi-lune shape, surmounted by a Patricia green marble top above two large cupboard doors opening to two shelves and flanked by a pair of spring-released convex doors, the lockplate signed M. Secretant / Paris, the carcass branded twice M. SECRETANT / A PARIS / 1923 aside a dolphin within a shield.  

Overall in good condition with the usual minor scratches, dents and nicks consistent with age and use. Slight tarnishing to gilt-bronze in places. Minor nicks to marble top.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Furniture branded by the important cabinetmaker Maxime Secretant is extremely rare and few pieces have come up at auction in recent years.  Known for creating fine pieces of furniture in the 18th century style and in the Empire style, as in the present lot, Secretant established his successful workshop at 74, rue Amelot in Paris at the end of the 19th century, often collaborating with his half-brother, Léon Duval, who had worked with Gervais Maximillien Eugène Durand, the well known ébéniste.  Unfortuantely, Secretant was forced to sell the entire stock of his workshop at auction on November 26, 1935 at the L'Hotel Drouot due to economic reasons (op.cit. Pierre Lécoules).