A Regency gilt-bronze mounted rosewood SECRÉTAIRE A ABATTANT first quarter 19th century, attributed to S. Jamar

with a later marble top above a frieze drawer, the fall opening to reveal a finely worked 'architectural' interior backed with mirrored panels and inlaid with a variety of woods including amboyna with an arcaded shelf above six small drawers either side of two concealed drawers, the lower section with doors opening to reveal a mahogany interior fiited with three graduated drawers

In excellent restored condition and an extremely fine piece with bronze mounts of notably high 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. 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."

This piece is a wonderful example of Jamar's Empire-derived furniture - often architectural in form and sometimes stamped in the French way - is distinguished by the quality of its materials and by its attention to detail.  His superb gilt-bronzes in the manner of Percier and Fontaine were evidently imported from Paris. These were invariably mounted on richly figured and carefully matched veneers.  Although the offered lot is French in conception, little clues often give away its English provenance. In this case the drawer construction, the finely worked English handles on the fitted drawers in the lower section and through comparison with known pieces attributed to him. See another secretaire stamped twice and sold these rooms, 3 July 2007, lot 133.

For comparable secretaires by Jamar, see Christopher Gilbert, The Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture,1700-1840, Leeds, 1996, pp. 274-279.