French Writing Table Leather Top 19th Century

Name: Writing Table
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1116445
Price: 525 GBP
Availability: InStock

FURTHER BROWSING

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

Marquetry Writing Desk, Circa, 1875

£750

Pretty French Rococo Writing Desk

£645

Walnut Bonheur Du Jour / Ladies Writing Desk

£495

Antique French Louis Xv Style Walnut & Leather Writing Table (Circa 1870)

£545

An Antique French Mahogany Serpentine Fronted Desk C1880

£675

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

Sustainable Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

FAQs

A bureau plat is a flat-topped writing table that gained prominence in 18th-century France during the Louis XV period. It typically features curved cabriole legs, serpentine edges, decorative metal mounts, and a leather writing surface.

French writing tables of this era were constructed using fine hardwoods such as walnut, kingwood, or rosewood, often featuring detailed veneer work. They commonly include an inset leather writing top and gilt-bronze (ormolu) mounts for corner and leg protection.

Authentic pieces feature asymmetrical curves, hand-carved elements, period-appropriate joinery, and genuine gilt-bronze fittings. Look for signs of natural age on the timber, hand-cut dovetail joints on drawers, and original surface patina.

Place the writing table as a standalone focal point in a home office, library, or drawing room. Balance the ornate curves of the furniture with minimalist contemporary lighting or neutral wall coverings to highlight its craftsmanship.

Keep the piece away from direct heat sources and sunlight to prevent wood warping and leather drying. Dust timber surfaces regularly with a soft cloth and apply specialised leather conditioner periodically to maintain the writing insert.

Anne Stroud Antiques

Writing Table