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

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

Overall in very good condition and presentation, with the minute chips to edges of marble. One chip ¼” sq to the top right hand side back corner of marble top. Some light discoloration around the edge of the base, and two dents to each top side of door due to touching bronze mounts when opening in full. The casting of bronze mounts are of very good quality.
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 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 both eighteenth-century and Empire styles, Secretant established his successful workshop at 74, rue Amelot in Paris at the end of the 19th century.  He often collaborated with his half-brother, Léon Duval, who had worked with Gervais Maximillien Eugène Durand, the well known ébéniste.  Unfortunately, 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).