A gilt-bronze-mounted mahogany secrétaire à abattant Empire, first quarter 19th century

with a rectangular Belgian marble top above a frieze drawer mounted with a wreath flanked by a stylised patera above pilasters with leaf cast capitals, the fall-front opening to reveal a fitted interior with a recess, malachite columns, five drawers and a leather-lined writing surface, above a pair of cupboard doors on a platform base; bearing the stamp P. Marcion  

Colour slightly more reddish, with nice figuring to mahogany. some minor chips to marble top. The mounts are more golden and attractive than in catalogue photograph. Some very minor hairline splits and cracks in the veneer commensurate with age, some of which have been restored which has been very well executed and are not too noticeable. Some minor restorations to veneer which are not too noticeable. The internal columns are not malachite, but painted to simulate malachite and have been restored in places. In overall good conserved condition. More impressive in reality.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Comparative Literature:
J.P.Samoyault, Meubles entrés sous le Premier Empire, Réunion des Musées Nationaux, Paris, 2004, pp. 90-91, no. 24, for a pair of console tables which were formerly in the Throne Room at Fontainebleau with a similar neo-classical female in flight as on the inside of this piece. The aforementioned consoles were ordered from Jacob-Desmalter in 1807. Also see a secrétaire with identical leaf cast capitols, illustrated by Samoyault, op. cit., p. 17-89, no. 112, again delivered by Thomire-Duterme et Cie for the Empress's appartment at Fontainebleau.