A gilt-bronze mounted mahogany secrétaire à abattant stamped I.C. Saunier Louis XVI, circa 1785

the rectangular white marble top with eared corners above a panelled Vitruvian scroll frieze drawer over a panelled fall-front opening to reveal a leather-lined writing surface and a fitted interior flanked by fluted columns, over a pair of doors, on toupie feet

Acquired on the Paris art market by the father of the present owner in the 1960's.

In overall good original condition, there is a horizontal age crack to the fall-front panel and a further smaller one to the right of the same panel both of them can be fixed. There are small vertical hairline cracks to the two lower panelled doors and there are old stains and scratches to the leather fitted writing surface. Old minor marks and scratches throughout consistent with age and use. An attractive piece with nice detail to the bronzes.
"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:
Alexandre Pradère, Les Ebénistes français de Louis XIV à la Révolution, Paris, 1989, plate 435 for a secrétaire à abattant by Saunier with a virtually identical Vitruvian scrolls cast frieze.

Claude-Charles Saunier (1735-1807), received master in 1752:
This elegant piece exemplifies the hallmarks of the oeuvre of Claude-Charles Saunier, who was known for his impeccably executed luxury neo-classical style furniture. The characteristics of his veneered pieces were 'sobriety of their line and the beauty of their wood'. However it is an interesting curiousity that the present piece bears the stamp of his father Jean-Charles Saunier who received master in 1743 and is known for his production of Louis XV furniture. This can be explained by the fact that Claude-Charles came from a family of furniture makers and initially lived and worked with his father Jean-Charles in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine based workshop. Upon his succession to his father's workshop in 1765, Claude-Charles registered his letters patent and continued the business. It was not unusual for cabinetmakers to use the inherited tools, stock and occasionally also stamps of their predecessors.

For a Louis XVI gilt-bronze mounted mahogany desserte by Claude-Charles Saunier, stamped I.C. Saunier see Christie's, Paris 21st June 2007, lot 208.