What is a French bureau de dame?

A bureau de dame is a specialised form of writing desk introduced in 18th-century France, specifically proportioned for personal correspondence and domestic accounting.

What materials were traditionally used in 19th-century French writing desks?

Desks from this era frequently utilised rosewood, kingwood, or walnut veneers over oak or pine carcass wood, ornamented with cast brass or bronze ormolu mounts and marquetry inlay.

How can you identify an authentic 19th-century French bureau?

Authentic period pieces display hand-sawn secondary timbers, hand-cut dovetail joints inside drawers, cast bronze mounts showing natural oxidisation, and hand-fitted marquetry veneers.

How can a bureau de dame be incorporated into modern interior design?

These compact desks function as accent pieces in hallways, dressing rooms, or dedicated reading nooks, providing surface utility and historical contrast against modern backgrounds.

How should rosewood marquetry furniture be maintained?

Maintain the finish by dusting with a soft microfiber cloth and applying a microcrystalline or beeswax polish sparingly, while keeping the piece away from direct heat and sunlight.

for sale €731 $794

£625

ActFurniture LTD

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2023

Browse dealers 349 items

Id #SA1234264

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Antique 19th Century French Bureau De Dame in Rosewood

Name: Antique 19th Century French Bureau De Dame in Rosewood
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1234264
Price: 625 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by ActFurniture LTD

Description

This stunning antique 19th-century Bureau de Dame, crafted from rich rosewood, is a fine example of French craftsmanship.

Standing gracefully on decorative cabriole legs, it is enhanced with beautiful brass decoration to the knees, adding a touch of refinement and elegance to the piece.

The fitted interior is thoughtfully designed, featuring a luxurious red leather writing slope, a central well, and numerous small drawers and pigeonholes for organised storage. The piece is further adorned with exquisite inlay work, showcasing the meticulous artistry of the period.

With its gorgeous grain and deep, rich colour, this bureau de dame exudes both charm and sophistication.

In good overall condition, it is a timeless piece of French furniture that brings a sense of history and elegance to any room. A true statement piece for any collection or interior.

Product Reference : AF - 3841

Measurements : 88cm Width x 53.5cm Depth x 92.5cm Height [ 70.5cm Desk Height ] [ 58cm Knee Height ]

All our products are available for viewing at our stockroom based in Malvern strictly by appointment only.

Please feel free to get in contact with us regarding any queries you might have relating to a specific piece or if you’d like to arrange a visit and I aim to respond as quickly as possible.

Prior to making a purchase, it is important that you please contact us to confirm the piece is still available. We endeavour to keep our stock details up to date, but due to our fast stock turnover there maybe occasions where an item has been sold but it has not yet been updated online.

Delivery ( £65 ) :

All our pieces are professionally wrapped in black plastic and sent though a trusted private courier which we can organise upon your request.

The delivery service consists of a two man team with a delivery timeframe of 3 - 15 working days from the date payment has been received. Please contact us to discuss any specific requirements and we will do our upmost to accommodate these, although no guarantees can be given.

The courier will be in contact with you directly with details of exact delivery date and approximate time of arrival.

We currently cover all of the UK Mainlands including most of Scotland.

Scotland -

Delivery cost and timeframe to Scotland and Scottish Highlands will vary regarding on the location and number of orders we have in the area so please get in contact for a direct quote.

Collection ( FREE ) :

Pieces can be collected from WR6 5JE free of charge strictly by appointment only. Please contact us to arrange this.

Payment via cash on collection is highly preferred.

Many thanks and if you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us and one of our team will respond as quickly as possible.

Physical Dimensions

Height

92.5cm (36.42")

Width

88cm (34.65")

Depth

53.5cm (21.06")

Declaration

ActFurniture LTD has dated this French Rosewood Writing Desk to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1234264

Dealers Internal Reference

AF-3841

Description

This stunning antique 19th-century Bureau de Dame, crafted from rich rosewood, is a fine example of French craftsmanship.

“

Standing gracefully on decorative cabriole legs, it is enhanced with beautiful brass decoration to the knees, adding a touch of refinement and elegance to the piece.

ActFurniture LTD

fig 1. A 19th-century French rosewood bureau de dame with floral marquetry inlay on the hinged top and apron, raised on cabriole legs with gilt-bronze ormolu mounts. — fig 1. Antique 19th Century French Bureau De Dame in Rosewood

The fitted interior is thoughtfully designed, featuring a luxurious red leather writing slope, a central well, and numerous small drawers and pigeonholes for organised storage. The piece is further adorned with exquisite inlay work, showcasing the meticulous artistry of the period.

fig 2. A 19th-century French rosewood bureau de dame with floral marquetry inlay on the hinged top and apron, raised on cabriole legs with gilt-bronze ormolu mounts. — fig 2. Antique 19th Century French Bureau De Dame in Rosewood

With its gorgeous grain and deep, rich colour, this bureau de dame exudes both charm and sophistication.

In good overall condition, it is a timeless piece of French furniture that brings a sense of history and elegance to any room. A true statement piece for any collection or interior.

fig 3. A 19th-century French rosewood bureau de dame with floral marquetry inlay on the hinged top and apron, raised on cabriole legs with gilt-bronze ormolu mounts. — fig 3. Antique 19th Century French Bureau De Dame in Rosewood

Product Reference : AF - 3841

Measurements : 88cm Width x 53.5cm Depth x 92.5cm Height [ 70.5cm Desk Height ] [ 58cm Knee Height ]

All our products are available for viewing at our stockroom based in Malvern strictly by appointment only.

fig 4. A 19th-century French rosewood bureau de dame with floral marquetry inlay on the hinged top and apron, raised on cabriole legs with gilt-bronze ormolu mounts. — fig 4. Antique 19th Century French Bureau De Dame in Rosewood

Please feel free to get in contact with us regarding any queries you might have relating to a specific piece or if you’d like to arrange a visit and I aim to respond as quickly as possible.

Prior to making a purchase, it is important that you please contact us to confirm the piece is still available. We endeavour to keep our stock details up to date, but due to our fast stock turnover there maybe occasions where an item has been sold but it has not yet been updated online.

fig 5. A 19th-century French rosewood bureau de dame with floral marquetry inlay on the hinged top and apron, raised on cabriole legs with gilt-bronze ormolu mounts. — fig 5. Antique 19th Century French Bureau De Dame in Rosewood

Delivery ( £65 ) :

All our pieces are professionally wrapped in black plastic and sent though a trusted private courier which we can organise upon your request.

The delivery service consists of a two man team with a delivery timeframe of 3 - 15 working days from the date payment has been received. Please contact us to discuss any specific requirements and we will do our upmost to accommodate these, although no guarantees can be given.

fig 6. A 19th-century French rosewood bureau de dame with floral marquetry inlay on the hinged top and apron, raised on cabriole legs with gilt-bronze ormolu mounts. — fig 6. Antique 19th Century French Bureau De Dame in Rosewood

The courier will be in contact with you directly with details of exact delivery date and approximate time of arrival.

We currently cover all of the UK Mainlands including most of Scotland.

Scotland -

Delivery cost and timeframe to Scotland and Scottish Highlands will vary regarding on the location and number of orders we have in the area so please get in contact for a direct quote.