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ID #SA1225334
FOR SALE
£6,850
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Antique French Kingwood Vernis Martin Secrétaire À Abattant on Stand C.1880 - Louis Xv Ormolu Mounted Writing Cabinet
Lee Hawkins Antiques & Interiors
for sale €8,015     $8,700
£6,850
Lee Hawkins Antiques & Interiors

Lee Hawkins Antiques & Interiors

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2012
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Id #SA1225334
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Antique French Kingwood Vernis Martin Secrétaire À Abattant on Stand C.1880 - Louis Xv Ormolu Mounted Writing Cabinet

19th century
Description

An exceptional antique French kingwood Vernis Martin secrétaire à abattant on stand, dating from circa 1880, beautifully executed in the Louis XV taste and displaying the outstanding craftsmanship associated with the finest Parisian cabinet makers of the late nineteenth century.

Constructed from richly figured kingwood, this elegant cabinet is veneered throughout in finely matched parquetry arranged in striking herringbone patterns, creating exceptional depth, warmth and visual movement. The serpentine form is lavishly adorned with finely chased gilt bronze (ormolu) mounts, framing exquisite Vernis Martin panels depicting romantic pastoral scenes inspired by the paintings of Jean-Honoré Fragonard, a hallmark of the finest French decorative furniture.

The fall-front opens to reveal a beautifully fitted writing interior, complete with a black gilt-tooled leather writing surface, four small drawers, central pigeonholes and useful storage compartments, making the cabinet as practical as it is decorative. Below, the shaped frieze continues the elegant theme with a further painted Vernis Martin landscape panel surrounded by intricate ormolu mounts, all raised upon graceful cabriole legs terminating in finely cast sabots.

The quality of the cabinet, together with the exceptional ormolu casting, refined proportions and superb kingwood veneers, reflects the work of leading Parisian makers such as Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener and the celebrated ateliers supplying the luxury market during the Belle Époque.

Investment-quality French furniture of this calibre remains highly sought after by discerning collectors and interior designers worldwide. Equally suited to a drawing room, library, study or elegant bedroom, this remarkable secrétaire à abattant offers timeless beauty, practicality and enduring value.

Dimensions

Height: 126cm

Width: 62cm

Depth: 37cm

Physical Dimensions
Height
126cm (49.61")
Width
62cm (24.41")
Depth
37cm (14.57")
Declaration

Lee Hawkins Antiques & Interiors has dated this Vernis Martin Writing Cabinet to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1225334
Description
An exceptional antique French kingwood Vernis Martin secrétaire à abattant on stand, dating from circa 1880, beautifully executed in the Louis XV taste and displaying the outstanding craftsmanship associated with the finest Parisian cabinet makers of the late nineteenth century.
fig 1. A French Louis XV style kingwood secretaire a abattant on cabriole legs, decorated with gilt bronze mounts and a hand-painted Vernis Martin scene on the fall-front flap.
fig 1. Antique French Kingwood Vernis Martin Secrétaire À Abattant on Stand C.1880 - Louis Xv Ormolu Mounted Writing Cabinet

Constructed from richly figured kingwood, this elegant cabinet is veneered throughout in finely matched parquetry arranged in striking herringbone patterns, creating exceptional depth, warmth and visual movement. The serpentine form is lavishly adorned with finely chased gilt bronze (ormolu) mounts, framing exquisite Vernis Martin panels depicting romantic pastoral scenes inspired by the paintings of Jean-Honoré Fragonard, a hallmark of the finest French decorative furniture.

fig 2. A French Louis XV style kingwood secretaire a abattant on cabriole legs, decorated with gilt bronze mounts and a hand-painted Vernis Martin scene on the fall-front flap.
fig 2. Antique French Kingwood Vernis Martin Secrétaire À Abattant on Stand C.1880 - Louis Xv Ormolu Mounted Writing Cabinet

The fall-front opens to reveal a beautifully fitted writing interior, complete with a black gilt-tooled leather writing surface, four small drawers, central pigeonholes and useful storage compartments, making the cabinet as practical as it is decorative. Below, the shaped frieze continues the elegant theme with a further painted Vernis Martin landscape panel surrounded by intricate ormolu mounts, all raised upon graceful cabriole legs terminating in finely cast sabots.

fig 3. A French Louis XV style kingwood secretaire a abattant on cabriole legs, decorated with gilt bronze mounts and a hand-painted Vernis Martin scene on the fall-front flap.
fig 3. Antique French Kingwood Vernis Martin Secrétaire À Abattant on Stand C.1880 - Louis Xv Ormolu Mounted Writing Cabinet

The quality of the cabinet, together with the exceptional ormolu casting, refined proportions and superb kingwood veneers, reflects the work of leading Parisian makers such as Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener and the celebrated ateliers supplying the luxury market during the Belle Époque.

“
Investment-quality French furniture of this calibre remains highly sought after by discerning collectors and interior designers worldwide.
Lee Hawkins Antiques & Interiors

Equally suited to a drawing room, library, study or elegant bedroom, this remarkable secrétaire à abattant offers timeless beauty, practicality and enduring value.

Dimensions

Height: 126cm

Width: 62cm

Depth: 37cm

Height
126cm (49.61")
Width
62cm (24.41")
Depth
37cm (14.57")
Date of Manufacture

Lee Hawkins Antiques & Interiors has dated this Vernis Martin Writing Cabinet to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1225334
Lee Hawkins Antiques & Interiors
Lee Hawkins Antiques & Interiors
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2012
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Lee Hawkins Antiques & Interiors Profile Page

Relevant Links
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A French Louis XV style kingwood secretaire a abattant on cabriole legs, decorated with gilt bronze mounts and a hand-painted Vernis Martin scene on the fall-front flap.
1 / 12
Archive I A French Louis XV style kingwood secretaire a abattant on cabriole legs, decorated with gilt bronze mounts and a hand-painted Vernis Martin scene on the fall-front flap.

Antique French Kingwood Vernis Martin Secrétaire À Abattant on Stand C.1880 - Louis Xv Ormolu Mounted Writing Cabinet

Archive II A French Louis XV style kingwood secretaire a abattant on cabriole legs, decorated with gilt bronze mounts and a hand-painted Vernis Martin scene on the fall-front flap. View II
Archive III A French Louis XV style kingwood secretaire a abattant on cabriole legs, decorated with gilt bronze mounts and a hand-painted Vernis Martin scene on the fall-front flap. View III
Archive IV A French Louis XV style kingwood secretaire a abattant on cabriole legs, decorated with gilt bronze mounts and a hand-painted Vernis Martin scene on the fall-front flap. View IV
Archive V A French Louis XV style kingwood secretaire a abattant on cabriole legs, decorated with gilt bronze mounts and a hand-painted Vernis Martin scene on the fall-front flap. View V
Archive VI A French Louis XV style kingwood secretaire a abattant on cabriole legs, decorated with gilt bronze mounts and a hand-painted Vernis Martin scene on the fall-front flap. View VI
Archive VII A French Louis XV style kingwood secretaire a abattant on cabriole legs, decorated with gilt bronze mounts and a hand-painted Vernis Martin scene on the fall-front flap. View VII
Archive VIII A French Louis XV style kingwood secretaire a abattant on cabriole legs, decorated with gilt bronze mounts and a hand-painted Vernis Martin scene on the fall-front flap. View VIII
Archive IX A French Louis XV style kingwood secretaire a abattant on cabriole legs, decorated with gilt bronze mounts and a hand-painted Vernis Martin scene on the fall-front flap. View IX
Archive X A French Louis XV style kingwood secretaire a abattant on cabriole legs, decorated with gilt bronze mounts and a hand-painted Vernis Martin scene on the fall-front flap. View X
Archive XI A French Louis XV style kingwood secretaire a abattant on cabriole legs, decorated with gilt bronze mounts and a hand-painted Vernis Martin scene on the fall-front flap. View XI
Archive XII A French Louis XV style kingwood secretaire a abattant on cabriole legs, decorated with gilt bronze mounts and a hand-painted Vernis Martin scene on the fall-front flap. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
Lee Hawkins Antiques & Interiors

Lee Hawkins Antiques & Interiors
Telephone 01446 744271 or 07973 734452
Location
Unit 15
Palmers Vale Business Centre
Palmerston Road
Barry
Glamorgan
CF63 2XA
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/hawkinsbrothersantiques
Verified Since Oct 2012
Items For Sale 156
Items Sold 923
Lee Hawkins Antiques & Interiors
Lee Hawkins Antiques & Interiors
Verified Since Oct 2012
View Dealer Info
Location: Unit 15, Palmers Vale Business Centre, Palmerston Road, Barry, Glamorgan, CF63 2XA, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/hawkinsbrothersantiques
Verified
Oct 2012
For Sale
156
Sold
923
A French Louis XV style kingwood secretaire a abattant on cabriole legs, decorated with gilt bronze mounts and a hand-painted Vernis Martin scene on the fall-front flap.
Antique French Kingwood Vernis Martin Secrétaire à Abattant on Stand c.1880 - Louis XV Ormolu Mounted Writing Cabinet
Ref: SA1225334
A French Louis XV style kingwood secretaire a abattant on cabriole legs, decorated with gilt bronze mounts and a hand-painted Vernis Martin scene on the fall-front flap.
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FAQs

A secretaire a abattant is a French drop-front writing cabinet featuring a hinged central flap that opens horizontally to reveal a writing surface and interior drawers. Vernis Martin refers to an 18th-century French japanning technique developed by the Martin brothers, characterised by multi-layered lacquer decorated with hand-painted scenes.

These cabinets are typically constructed with a oak or softwood framework, finished with quarter-veneered hardwoods such as kingwood or rosewood. They are detailed with hand-painted lacquer panels and heavy cast gilt-bronze (ormolu) decorative mounts.

Authentic 19th-century examples feature hand-cut dovetail joints, age-related oxidation on unpainted wooden interiors, heavy chased bronze fittings secured with hand-cut screws, and original brushwork visible under magnification on painted panels.

Position the piece as a focal point against a plain wall in an entryway, living room, or study. Pairing ornate 19th-century furniture with modern, low-profile lighting and neutral soft furnishings creates a balanced contrast.

Maintain the cabinet away from direct sunlight, radiators, and fluctuating humidity to prevent veneer lifting or varnish cracking. Clean gently using a dry microfibre cloth, avoiding harsh chemical cleaners or excess moisture.
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