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19th Century French Walnut Bonheur Du Jour
Sold by FB Antiques
sold SA1148134
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
FB Antiques

FB Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jul 2014
Browse dealers 299 items
Id #SA1148134
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19th Century French Walnut Bonheur Du Jour

19th century
Sold 28 December 2025 · FB Antiques
This “19th Century French Walnut Bonheur Du Jour” found a buyer.

It was listed by FB Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

A beautifully crafted 19th-century French Bonheur du Jour (lady’s writing desk), showcasing classic Louis XV-inspired design. Made from rich walnut, this elegant piece features an upper glazed cabinet with shaped glass and two interior shelves, resting above a bank of six small drawers. Below, the shaped writing surface leads to two spacious drawers, all adorned with ornate gilt-bronze (ormolu) mounts in the Rococo taste.

The whole stands gracefully on cabriole legs, with additional ormolu mounts on the knees and feet. The sinuous form and high-quality craftsmanship highlight the fine detailing and curves typical of French design during this period.

This piece originates from France and dates to the mid-to-late 19th century. It is constructed from solid walnut, with its original ormolu mounts and escutcheons intact. The cabinet includes a glazed upper section with two interior shelves, a shaped serpentine front, and functional drawers. The cabriole legs and scalloped apron add to its elegance. It is in excellent antique condition with a rich, warm patina.

This would make an exquisite hallway accent, bedroom writing desk, or collector’s display cabinet. Its proportions and decorative flair also make it suitable for modern interiors that incorporate classical elements.

Worldwide shipping available. Please get in touch for a delivery quote or additional photographs.

Width: 61cm Depth: 41cm Height: 174cm

Physical Dimensions
Height
174cm (68.50")
Width
61cm (24.02")
Depth
41cm (16.14")
Declaration

FB Antiques has dated this French Walnut Bonheur Du Jour to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1148134
Dealers Internal Reference
S27-1054
Description
A beautifully crafted 19th-century French Bonheur du Jour (lady’s writing desk), showcasing classic Louis XV-inspired design.
“
Made from rich walnut, this elegant piece features an upper glazed cabinet with shaped glass and two interior shelves, resting above a bank of six small drawers.
FB Antiques

Below, the shaped writing surface leads to two spacious drawers, all adorned with ornate gilt-bronze (ormolu) mounts in the Rococo taste.

fig 1. A 19th-century French walnut bonheur du jour featuring a glazed upper display cabinet, multiple small drawers, and decorative brass ormolu mounts.
fig 1. 19th Century French Walnut Bonheur Du Jour

The whole stands gracefully on cabriole legs, with additional ormolu mounts on the knees and feet. The sinuous form and high-quality craftsmanship highlight the fine detailing and curves typical of French design during this period.

fig 2. A 19th-century French walnut bonheur du jour featuring a glazed upper display cabinet, multiple small drawers, and decorative brass ormolu mounts.
fig 2. 19th Century French Walnut Bonheur Du Jour

This piece originates from France and dates to the mid-to-late 19th century. It is constructed from solid walnut, with its original ormolu mounts and escutcheons intact. The cabinet includes a glazed upper section with two interior shelves, a shaped serpentine front, and functional drawers. The cabriole legs and scalloped apron add to its elegance. It is in excellent antique condition with a rich, warm patina.

fig 3. A 19th-century French walnut bonheur du jour featuring a glazed upper display cabinet, multiple small drawers, and decorative brass ormolu mounts.
fig 3. 19th Century French Walnut Bonheur Du Jour

This would make an exquisite hallway accent, bedroom writing desk, or collector’s display cabinet. Its proportions and decorative flair also make it suitable for modern interiors that incorporate classical elements.

Worldwide shipping available. Please get in touch for a delivery quote or additional photographs.

Width: 61cm Depth: 41cm Height: 174cm

Height
174cm (68.50")
Width
61cm (24.02")
Depth
41cm (16.14")
Date of Manufacture

FB Antiques has dated this French Walnut Bonheur Du Jour to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1148134
Dealers Internal Ref
S27-1054
FB Antiques
FB Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jul 2014
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the FB Antiques Profile Page

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A 19th-century French walnut bonheur du jour featuring a glazed upper display cabinet, multiple small drawers, and decorative brass ormolu mounts. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I A 19th-century French walnut bonheur du jour featuring a glazed upper display cabinet, multiple small drawers, and decorative brass ormolu mounts. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

19th Century French Walnut Bonheur Du Jour

Archive II A 19th-century French walnut bonheur du jour featuring a glazed upper display cabinet, multiple small drawers, and decorative brass ormolu mounts. View II
Archive III A 19th-century French walnut bonheur du jour featuring a glazed upper display cabinet, multiple small drawers, and decorative brass ormolu mounts. View III
Archive IV A 19th-century French walnut bonheur du jour featuring a glazed upper display cabinet, multiple small drawers, and decorative brass ormolu mounts. View IV
Archive V A 19th-century French walnut bonheur du jour featuring a glazed upper display cabinet, multiple small drawers, and decorative brass ormolu mounts. View V
Archive VI A 19th-century French walnut bonheur du jour featuring a glazed upper display cabinet, multiple small drawers, and decorative brass ormolu mounts. View VI
Archive VII A 19th-century French walnut bonheur du jour featuring a glazed upper display cabinet, multiple small drawers, and decorative brass ormolu mounts. View VII
Archive VIII A 19th-century French walnut bonheur du jour featuring a glazed upper display cabinet, multiple small drawers, and decorative brass ormolu mounts. View VIII
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Telephone 01245 401 210
Location
Rawlings Farm Buildings
Unit 7 Main Road
Rettendon Common
Chelmsford
Essex
CM3 8DY
United Kingdom
Verified Since Jul 2014
Items For Sale 299
Items Sold 1,348
FB Antiques
FB Antiques
Verified Since Jul 2014
View Dealer Info
Location: Rawlings Farm Buildings, Unit 7 Main Road, Rettendon Common, Chelmsford , Essex, CM3 8DY, United Kingdom
Verified
Jul 2014
For Sale
299
Sold
1,348
A 19th-century French walnut bonheur du jour featuring a glazed upper display cabinet, multiple small drawers, and decorative brass ormolu mounts.
19th Century French Walnut Bonheur Du Jour
Ref: SA1148134
A 19th-century French walnut bonheur du jour featuring a glazed upper display cabinet, multiple small drawers, and decorative brass ormolu mounts.
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDesks & Writing Tables
  • Period19th century
  • StyleFrench Provincial
  • MaterialWalnut, Glass, Brass
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsCabriole legs, Ormolu mounts, Glazed arched door, Serpentine drawers
  • SizeH 174 cm (69 in) x W 61 cm (24 in) x D 41 cm (16 in)

A bonheur du jour is a small, light ladys writing desk that typically features a cabinet, shelves, or drawers above the writing surface, originating in France during the mid-18th century.

These pieces were typically constructed from fine hardwoods such as walnut, mahogany, or kingwood, frequently adorned with gilt-bronze or ormolu mounts and brass hardware.

Authenticity is identified through traditional joinery methods such as hand-cut dovetails, timber shrinkage patterns, period-appropriate hardware, and the quality of the wood patination and bronze casting.

Positioning the piece against a neutral wall allows its intricate woodwork and metallic mounts to serve as a focal point, contrasting effectively with contemporary minimalist furnishings.

Maintain the timber by dusting with a soft, dry cloth and occasionally applying high-quality microcrystalline wax, avoiding direct sunlight and excessive humidity fluctuations to prevent wood splitting.
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