An Empire ormolu-mounted mahogany and rosewood table à écrire early 19th century, attributed to Jacob Desmalter

the hinged rectangular top, fitted on the reverse with a mirror, enclosing a divided interior with lids fitted with an ormolu candle-holder and pin cushion respectively, the frieze with a drawer fitted with a leather-lined writing surface, and compartments for inkwell and sand pot, raised on curule supports, joined by a baluster turned stretcher; fitted with ormolu mounts, incorporating laurel wreaths and anthemion.

A table vide poche of identical overall design was made by Jacob Desmalter for the chambre de l’Impératrice at the Château de Compiègne, illustrated, M. Beurdeley, Jacob et son temps, 2002, p. 107.  Other tables vide poche and tables à ouvrage by Jacob Desmalter are illustrated, D. Ledoux-Lebard, Le Mobilier Français du XIX Siècle, Paris, 2000, p. 329, each is raised on identical curule-form supports joined by a baluster stretcher and two are fitted with identical ormolu paw feet as on the present lot.