Lot 313 , A Biedermeier satin birch secretaire à abattant, W.3ft 9in. D.1ft 11in. H.5ft

A Biedermeier satin birch secretaire à abattant, fitted long drawer, full flap opening to reveal a fitted architectural stylised interior with writing slide, W.3ft 9in. D.1ft 11in. H.5ft
Estimate £400-600

Top of this piece has been sunbleached giving it a lighter colour and also suffering now from three splits which run across the width of the top, elsewhere the colour is a good rich mid dark satinwood tone, two small sections of moulding is broken loose the top left side (but is contained within the drawer), there is a small patched repair to the veneer at the top left of the front of the left side of the top drawer, this is not the best of colour matches, escutcheon from the keyhole to fall is loose but contained within, discolouration showing around the lions mask handles on the top drawer, perhaps indicating that these are later, however handles on the lower drawers do not show this discolouration and all of the handles are perfect fits for the holes showing on the inside of the drawer. Centre panel of the fall has four pin head sized holes where an ornate brass lions mask mount was considered for mounting, this mount remains loose in a drawer. Key present for the lock to the fall however the lock is rather wobbly and loose and is a little bit tricky to open, internally the two side panel doors show some evidence of bleaching, the base drawer to the nonesuch compartment has two projecting plaques that have come loose but could easily be re-glued, baize lining to the fall and to the pull out writing section are later, one small patch of veneer showing to the front of the base.
Overall other than the small bits of veneer replacement this piece is in good condition just requiring some minor cosmetic attention.


Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Gorringes Conditions of Sale.

Sold for £900