A Danish rococo gilt-bronze mounted parcel-gilt walnut bureau-cabinet mid 18th century, probably Schleswig Holstein

the top section with two cupboard doors opening to reveal one shallow shelf and one shelf with two short drawers with gilt-brass handles, above a parquetry inlaid fall-front secretaire with a central cupboard flanked by columnar pull-out drawers, with an arrangement of four further drawers and another cupboard to each side, the lower section with a shallow frieze drawers and three further drawers

Arne Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneer, Copenhagen, Auction 363, 7 June 1977, lot 99.

This elegant cabinet is in reasonable conserved condition. The giltwood cresting with minor chipping and several breakages that have been repaired. There are minor restorations to the doors, with both returns displaying vertical shrinking cracks. The lower part with traces of old woodworm and fillings, one loss to the top right corner of the fall-front. Part of the left hand side of the frame to the bottom drawer is detached. The interior with traces of woodworm which appears to be no longer active, and marks and scratches to the chequered writing surface, consistent with age and use, and with occasional splits to the veneer. There is one visible vertical split crack and one loss to the left return; three losses and cracks to the right one. Small losses and chips to the giltwood base. Re-gilt.
"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:
T. Clemmensen, Mobel paa Clausholm, Langeso, Holstenshuus, Kobenhavn 1946, pp. 39-45.

Danish rococo soon came to distinguish itself from its German counterpart for its sombre walnut veneers and bombe forms highlighted by elaborately carved giltwood adorning crests as well as aprons of bureau cabinets and commodes, as seen in the present lot and in lots 248 and 259. 

A comparable bureau-cabinet attributed to Matthias Ortmann sold Sotheby's Amsterdam, 7 April 2009, lot 232. Mathias Ortmann (ca.1700-1757) was born in Sweden as the son of a cabinet-maker. At an early age he became an apprentice in his father's rapidly expanding workshop which was situated in Hyhavn, Copenhagen, and which included the royal family among its many patrons.