A Classical Secretaire a Abattant

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Circa 1820

This form is called a “French secretary” in period references. It is among a small group of Philadelphia secretaries that have slight variations from each other. This particular piece has been recently acquired from an early established Philadelphia family. 

The temple top drawer front features a semicircular panel adorned with an imported gilt bronze mount. An attached pedestal emanates from the fixed top of the pediment. The large paneled fall front is centered by a crotch mahogany rectangle. The key hole is adorned with a fine mount featuring paired swans. The fall front is flanked by tapering mahogany veneered columns with gilt bronze capitals and bases. 

The interior is beautifully appointed with bird’s-eye maple veneered drawer fronts and ebonized recesses. In the center is a large bird’s-eye maple arch. The writing surface is covered with a fine wool baize. 

The doors under the fall front are paneled and feature gilt bronze mounted keyholes. They are veneered in crotch mahogany and flanked by pilasters with carved capitals and molded bases. The doors conceal four drawers with mahogany fronts and original gilt-lacquered stamped brass pulls. The plinth is raised on animal paw feet with acanthus foliage in front and turned back feet.

Mahogany, (Secondary woods: poplar, pine, maple and cedrela )
Height: 69 ¼” Width: 35” Depth: 21”
C1088