A very fine Louis XVI style gilt bronze-mounted mahogany, burl thuya and stained sycamore secrétaire à abattant England, late 19th/early 20th century, after the model by Jean-Henri Riesener

The central bronze plaque depicting the sacrifice of Love, surmounted by a later white marble top above a long drawer, the fall front opening to composition of six drawers, two filing compartments and a hidden compartment, the double door cabinets opening to one shelf, the lock stamped CHUBB'S / DETECTOR/ 129 QUEEN VICTORIA STREET and numbered 1650934

Butchoff Antiques, London, acquired 2010

Hughes Peter, The Wallace Collection-Catalogue of Furniture, Vol II, The Trustees of the Wallace Collection, London, 1996, pp. 989-996

Bronze is very finely cast. Tarnishing to gilt-bronze in places also consistent with age and atmospheric conditions through the years. Overall in good condition and presentation with the usual minor hairline scratches and minute nicks to veneers and carcass consistent with age and use. The marble top is later. The marble with the usual minute chips to edges, light scratches to surface consistent with age and use. One key present.
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.

The present model is a very fine English recreation of the model now housed in the permanent collection of the Wallace Collection, London, under inventory F303. Originally delivered in February 1783 for Marie-Antoinette's private apartment at Versailles. Confiscated during the French Revolution, it reappeared in Russia in 1865, when it was purchased by Frederick Davis from Count Koucheleff Bezborodko. Davis later sold it to Richard Seymour Conway, 4th marquess of Hertford by 1867, for his Paris hotel Particulier, rue Lafitte.