- 2 Frassetto Way - Lincoln Park, NJ 07035
September Uncurated: Art, Furnishings, and Estate Discoveries
Lot 358:
Description
Two-piece secretary bureau bookcase manufactured by Maitland-Smith Ltd. The piece is designed in the George III style, featuring a black japanned lacquered finish with extensive hand-painted gilt chinoiserie decoration depicting architectural scenes, figures, and landscapes. The upper section features a double-arched top with three brass finials above two cabinet doors. These doors open to reveal a highly complex fitted interior finished in a contrasting vibrant orange lacquer with gilt accents, containing eighteen small drawers, various arched pigeonholes, and vertical document slots. The lower section consists of a slant-front desk opening to an additional fitted interior with six small drawers, six pigeonholes, and a central small cupboard door. Below the writing surface are two short drawers over two graduated long drawers, all featuring brass batwing-style bail handles and escutcheons. The desk stands on a shaped bracket base with a decorative apron. The reverse of the upper section bears a manufacturer label. Overall: 86″ H x 40″ W x 21.5″ D. Desk section: 41″ H x 40″ W x 21.5″ D.
Condition report:
The desk is in fair to good condition with significant signs of age and use. Notable defects include substantial lacquer loss and chipping along the edges of the top pediment, side panels, cabinet doors, and slant-front lid. There is visible cracking and crazing of the finish on the upper curved surfaces. A prominent scratch is located on the right-hand side panel of the lower desk section. Additional chipping and finish wear are present on the bracket base and lower apron. The interior exhibits minor paint loss and wear on the edges of drawers and vertical dividers. The structural integrity is sound.
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