Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables has dated this French Neoclassical Desk Set to the 19th Century.
Complete office suites of this quality and scale rarely survive intact. Having reunited the matching desk, display cabinet and chair, this presents a rare opportunity to acquire what was almost certainly a bespoke commission or one of Mercier Frères' most prestigious office ensembles. We have been unable to locate another comparable complete office suite by the maker.
Designed in the Neoclassical Revival style, each piece is veneered in beautifully figured maple and decorated throughout with ebonised Greek key (meander) ornament, creating a striking contrast against the maple veneers. The suite is united by matching gilt and patinated bronze mounts, each centred with classical campana urns surmounted by dragonflies, together with finely cast bronze feet throughout.
The pedestal desk is undoubtedly the centrepiece of the suite. Constructed around an unusual stretcher base joining the two pedestals, it possesses an architectural presence seldom found in French desks of the period. The black leather writing surface is bordered with the same Greek key tooling found throughout the suite and is complemented by retractable writing slides to either side.
The desk provides exceptional storage, with eleven oak-lined drawers, including four concealed behind a door within each pedestal, while the fully veneered reverse allows it to stand proudly in the centre of a room. This was furniture created not simply for writing, but for conducting business at the highest level.
Behind the desk, the impressive breakfront display cabinet provides both display and storage. The central glazed section opens to adjustable display shelves, whilst the cupboards to either side each reveal four adjustable shelves, providing extensive storage. The cabinet is crowned by bronze busts of Hercules and Apollo, reinforcing the classical inspiration behind the design. The key escutcheons to each door are shield-shaped in bronze, engraved with a pair of opposing griffins.
Completing the suite is the Klismos-inspired desk chair, its elegant curved back and tapering legs reflecting the influence of Classical Greek design that defines the entire ensemble. Like the desk and display cabinet, it is veneered in maple and decorated with ebonised Greek key ornament, finely cast bronze mounts, and a green leather upholstered seat. The underside of the chair is stamped with the number "62760", almost certainly a workshop or production reference used during its manufacture by Mercier Frères.
Both the desk and cabinet retain T.B. Lyon locks, while numerous bronze mounts are stamped with reference numbers, reflecting the organised production methods employed by Mercier Frères and their bronze suppliers.
This is not simply a collection of matching furniture, but a complete executive office suite created for one of the most discerning and affluent clients of the Belle Époque, representing the very finest standards of French furniture making at the close of the 19th century.
Dimensions:
Display Cabinet
• Height: 190 cm / 74.80 in
• Width: 218 cm / 85.83 in
• Depth: 46.5 cm / 18.31 in
Pedestal Desk
• Height: 77.5 cm / 30.51 in
• Length: 180.5 cm / 71.06 in
• Depth: 89.5 cm / 35.24 in
Kneehole
• Height: 61 cm / 24.02 in
• Width: 88 cm / 34.65 in
Desk Chair
• Height: 88 cm / 34.65 in
• Width: 72.5 cm / 28.54 in
• Depth: 70 cm / 27.56 in
• Seat Height: 48 cm / 18.90 in
Delivery:
Free UK mainland delivery (excluding Scottish islands and other UK islands).
We are happy to arrange international delivery please contact us for a quotation.
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables has dated this French Neoclassical Desk Set to the 19th Century.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables Profile Page
Antique French Neoclassical Office Set by Mercier Frères – Desk, Cabinet & Chair
