Bureau Plat (partner's desk variation)
Desk/Office (Writing Desk) · Louis XV Revival (Rococo Revival) / Neoclassical elements, late 19th to mid-20th century · Unknown; likely a high-end European or American revival firm like Maitland-Smith or Baker in later years
Type
Desk/Office (Writing Desk)
Style Period
Louis XV Revival (Rococo Revival) / Neoclassical elements, late 19th to mid-20th century
Material
Mahogany or kingwood veneer, mahogany solid wood, tooled leather inset, gilt-bronze (ormolu) mounts
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1970 (Modern reproduction of an 18th-century French design)
Dimensions
H 30", W 55", D 28"; typical for grand executive writing tables
Origin
Likely French or American origin; designed in the Parisian 'Bureau à Cylindre' stylistic lineage
Designer/Maker
Unknown; likely a high-end European or American revival firm like Maitland-Smith or Baker in later years
Value Estimate
$800 - $1,500 (Auction Value); value is significantly reduced due to the poor condition of the leather inset and surface scratches.
Description
A grand Louis XV style Bureau Plat featuring a serpentine apron, cabriole legs, and a three-panel leather inset top. The desk is heavily ornamented with ormolu mounts that follow the curves of the frame, giving it a palatial and formal aesthetic common in executive offices or traditional libraries.
Key Features
Serpentine-shaped kidney front, tooled leather top, cabriole legs with gilded sabots, and neoclassical ormolu framing on drawer fronts.
Color & Finish
Dark mahogany stain with high-gloss lacquer; gold-leaf or brass doré ormolu accents; worn tan leather
Construction Method
Veneered carcass on solid secondary wood frame with machine-assisted crafting and hand-applied hardware
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Dovetailed drawer boxes; mortise and tenon leg-to-apron construction with decorative parquetry veneer
Wood Grain & Species
Quartered mahogany veneer on the drawers; straight grain legs; cross-banded border on top
Surface Treatment
Book-matched veneers, gilded metal mounts, and gold-tooled leather; finish exhibits heavy surface scratching
Upholstery Details
Tooled leather writing surface with gold leaf embossed border; significant surface wear and dry rot apparent
Hardware & Fittings
Cast brass or bronze drawer pulls featuring scroll and acanthus motifs; edge banding; sabots on feet
Origin & Provenance
Likely French or American origin; designed in the Parisian 'Bureau à Cylindre' stylistic lineage
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. The leather top is severely damaged with scratches and drying. Wood finish shows heavy sun fading and scratches. Structural joints appear sound.
Interesting Facts
The Bureau Plat was popularized in the 17th century by André-Charles Boulle, maker to King Louis XIV, and became a symbol of administrative power.
Cultural Significance
Represents the enduring legacy of French Rococo design in 20th-century luxury furniture and the aspiration for classical European status symbols.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with a Writing Table (smaller, no drawers) or a Partners Desk (drawers on both sides). This is a single-sided executive desk.
Care & Maintenance
Leather requires specialized cleaning/conditioning or replacement; wood needs high-quality carnauba wax; avoid direct sunlight to prevent further fading.
Value Estimate
$800 - $1,500 (Auction Value); value is significantly reduced due to the poor condition of the leather inset and surface scratches.
Sustainability Notes
Long-lasting solid wood core allows for multiple refinishing cycles; leather is biodegradable but needs replacement; vintage furniture avoids modern manufacturing waste.