A tall and well-proportioned bureau bookcase, or cabinet, in a rich mahogany of the early type that has traditionally been called ''red walnut''. The top section has a bold cornice incorporating broken-dentil carving, above a pair of panelled doors within serpentine frames, with large brass escutcheon plates and enclosing an interior with adjustable shelves, with candle slides below; the base section has a fall front enclosing a fully fitted interior, including secret compartments, above four graduated oak-lined cock-beaded drawers with brass handles, the whole raised on shaped bracket feet. Caernarfon, north Wales, circa 1740.This magnificent piece has a wonderful colour and surface patination, which varies from a deep rich finish to slightly faded on the bureau fall. By family repute, this was made for a successful sea captain and privateer who built a large house for his retirement in Caernarfon, north Wales.(Brass handles are period, but replaced; some of the feet ...