with central locking mechanism, the Baltics, first quarter of the 19th century, mahogany veneered hardwood and softwood frame in free-standing design, lower part with 4 large and 10 small drawers, which can only be opened when the uppermost central drawer is open (locking mechanism), desk-like writing element with 3 drawers underneath, with extensible shelf with black gold-punctured leather inlay, folding and lockable writing desk with matching leather writing surface (lockable), this writing desk area is flanked by 2 outer doors - these can be opened with brass knobs attached laterally inside the writing desk (spring-loaded mechanism), 3 interior drawers in each, pull-out boards on both sides with black gold-punctured leather inlays, extensible shelf on the back, brass gallery, c. 118 x 164 x 78 cm, signs of age and use with fissures to the side. (DOC)

Provenance:
formerly Rochecotte Castle in France (Indre-et-Loire); Duchess of Sagan (also known in France as Duchesse de Dino) -

came from Courland nobility and was married to the nephew of Napoleon’s foreign minister Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand (but was famous for her relationship with his uncle); she acquired the castle for herself in 1828. The present piece of furniture was probably part of its inventory.