3,376  PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 0 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS
GIFTS
LATEST STOCK
Sort Order
Items Per Page
Browse Categories
Sort order
Relevant Links
Items per page
ID #SA1239475
FOR SALE
£8,500
Email Phone
Save
Pair of Napoleon III Serpentine Kingwood, Tulipwood & Marquetry Secretaire Chest
For sale by Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Id #SA1239475
PDF SHARE
SAVE

Pair of Napoleon III Serpentine Kingwood, Tulipwood & Marquetry Secretaire Chest

19th century
Description

A pair of French Napoleon III (1852-1870) serpentine shaped secretaire chests, veneered in kingwood and tulipwood, with ebonised detailing, floral marquetry and ormolu mounts, each retaining its key.

Each secretaire is surmounted by a shaped white Carrara marble top above a fall front disguised as three dummy drawers. The fall opens to reveal a blue baize-lined writing surface and a fitted interior with three small internal drawers.

Below the writing section are four serpentine-fronted oak-lined drawers to each cabinet, all decorated with floral marquetry within kingwood crossbanded borders. Between the kingwood crossbanding, the ebonised drawer fronts are further detailed with a subtle turquoise marquetry pinstripe, adding a refined decorative accent.

The sides are veneered in tulipwood, while the overall form is outlined with ormolu mounts. The contrast between the dark ebonised surfaces, kingwood and tulipwood veneers, floral marquetry and white marble tops gives the pair a strong decorative presence.

A particularly useful and decorative pair, suitable for symmetrical placement within an interior. Their proportions also allow them to be used much like pedestal pieces, with the marble tops providing an ideal surface for vases, sculpture, lamps or other decorative objects.

Provenance:

Ex-film props pieces, from a specialist prop company, The Eccentric Trading Company, that supplied furniture and decorative pieces to thousands of film and television productions, including The Crown and Wonder Woman.

Condition:

The pair are in great condition and have been carefully restored, bringing them back to life while preserving their period character. There are historic signs of woodworm activity to the rear, which have been professionally treated.

Dimensions:

Height: 127.5 cm (50.20 in)

Width: 64.5 cm (25.39 in)

Depth: 37.5 cm (14.76 in)

Physical Dimensions
Height
127.5cm (50.20")
Width
64.5cm (25.39")
Depth
37.5cm (14.76")
Declaration

Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables has dated these Napoleon III Marquetry Chests to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1239475
Dealers Notes

Delivery:

Free UK mainland delivery (excluding Scottish islands and other UK islands).

International delivery available — please contact us or request a quote.

Description
A pair of French Napoleon III (1852-1870) serpentine shaped secretaire chests, veneered in kingwood and tulipwood, with ebonised detailing, floral marquetry and ormolu mounts, each retaining its key.
“
Each secretaire is surmounted by a shaped white Carrara marble top above a fall front disguised as three dummy drawers.
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables

The fall opens to reveal a blue baize-lined writing surface and a fitted interior with three small internal drawers.

fig 1. A pair of French Napoleon III narrow serpentine chests in kingwood and tulipwood featuring floral marquetry, gilt-bronze mounts, and marble tops.
fig 1. Pair of Napoleon III Serpentine Kingwood, Tulipwood & Marquetry Secretaire Chest

Below the writing section are four serpentine-fronted oak-lined drawers to each cabinet, all decorated with floral marquetry within kingwood crossbanded borders. Between the kingwood crossbanding, the ebonised drawer fronts are further detailed with a subtle turquoise marquetry pinstripe, adding a refined decorative accent.

fig 2. A pair of French Napoleon III narrow serpentine chests in kingwood and tulipwood featuring floral marquetry, gilt-bronze mounts, and marble tops.
fig 2. Pair of Napoleon III Serpentine Kingwood, Tulipwood & Marquetry Secretaire Chest

The sides are veneered in tulipwood, while the overall form is outlined with ormolu mounts. The contrast between the dark ebonised surfaces, kingwood and tulipwood veneers, floral marquetry and white marble tops gives the pair a strong decorative presence.

fig 3. A pair of French Napoleon III narrow serpentine chests in kingwood and tulipwood featuring floral marquetry, gilt-bronze mounts, and marble tops.
fig 3. Pair of Napoleon III Serpentine Kingwood, Tulipwood & Marquetry Secretaire Chest

A particularly useful and decorative pair, suitable for symmetrical placement within an interior. Their proportions also allow them to be used much like pedestal pieces, with the marble tops providing an ideal surface for vases, sculpture, lamps or other decorative objects.

fig 4. A pair of French Napoleon III narrow serpentine chests in kingwood and tulipwood featuring floral marquetry, gilt-bronze mounts, and marble tops.
fig 4. Pair of Napoleon III Serpentine Kingwood, Tulipwood & Marquetry Secretaire Chest

Provenance:

Ex-film props pieces, from a specialist prop company, The Eccentric Trading Company, that supplied furniture and decorative pieces to thousands of film and television productions, including The Crown and Wonder Woman.

fig 5. A pair of French Napoleon III narrow serpentine chests in kingwood and tulipwood featuring floral marquetry, gilt-bronze mounts, and marble tops.
fig 5. Pair of Napoleon III Serpentine Kingwood, Tulipwood & Marquetry Secretaire Chest

Condition:

The pair are in great condition and have been carefully restored, bringing them back to life while preserving their period character. There are historic signs of woodworm activity to the rear, which have been professionally treated.

Dimensions:

Height: 127.5 cm (50.20 in)

Width: 64.5 cm (25.39 in)

Depth: 37.5 cm (14.76 in)

Height
127.5cm (50.20")
Width
64.5cm (25.39")
Depth
37.5cm (14.76")
Date of Manufacture

Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables has dated these Napoleon III Marquetry Chests to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1239475
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2024
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables Profile Page

PDF SHARE
SAVE
A pair of French Napoleon III narrow serpentine chests in kingwood and tulipwood featuring floral marquetry, gilt-bronze mounts, and marble tops.
1 / 8
Archive I A pair of French Napoleon III narrow serpentine chests in kingwood and tulipwood featuring floral marquetry, gilt-bronze mounts, and marble tops.

Pair of Napoleon III Serpentine Kingwood, Tulipwood & Marquetry Secretaire Chest

Archive II A pair of French Napoleon III narrow serpentine chests in kingwood and tulipwood featuring floral marquetry, gilt-bronze mounts, and marble tops. View II
Archive III A pair of French Napoleon III narrow serpentine chests in kingwood and tulipwood featuring floral marquetry, gilt-bronze mounts, and marble tops. View III
Archive IV A pair of French Napoleon III narrow serpentine chests in kingwood and tulipwood featuring floral marquetry, gilt-bronze mounts, and marble tops. View IV
Archive V A pair of French Napoleon III narrow serpentine chests in kingwood and tulipwood featuring floral marquetry, gilt-bronze mounts, and marble tops. View V
Archive VI A pair of French Napoleon III narrow serpentine chests in kingwood and tulipwood featuring floral marquetry, gilt-bronze mounts, and marble tops. View VI
Archive VII A pair of French Napoleon III narrow serpentine chests in kingwood and tulipwood featuring floral marquetry, gilt-bronze mounts, and marble tops. View VII
Archive VIII A pair of French Napoleon III narrow serpentine chests in kingwood and tulipwood featuring floral marquetry, gilt-bronze mounts, and marble tops. View VIII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 01553 601578
Location
West Norfolk
United Kingdom
Verified Since Aug 2024
Items For Sale 59
Items Sold 195
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Verified Since Aug 2024
View Dealer Info
Location: West Norfolk, United Kingdom
Verified
Aug 2024
For Sale
59
Sold
195
A pair of French Napoleon III narrow serpentine chests in kingwood and tulipwood featuring floral marquetry, gilt-bronze mounts, and marble tops.
Pair of Napoleon III Serpentine Kingwood, Tulipwood & Marquetry Secretaire Chest
Ref: SA1239475
A pair of French Napoleon III narrow serpentine chests in kingwood and tulipwood featuring floral marquetry, gilt-bronze mounts, and marble tops.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Archival Detail
Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.
Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectChests of Drawers
  • Period19th century
  • StyleNapoleon III
  • MaterialKingwood, Tulipwood, Ormolu, Marble
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsFloral marquetry, Serpentine front, Ormolu mounts, Marble top
  • SizeH 127.5 cm (50 in) x W 64.5 cm (25 in) x D 37.5 cm (15 in)

This pair of 19th-century French Napoleon III serpentine secretaire chests takes the form of narrow, tall cabinets veneered in dark brown kingwood and tulipwood, complemented by ebonised detailing and white Carrara marble tops. Each cabinet displays elaborate floral marquetry across the front and sides, framed by kingwood crossbanded borders and ornate gilt-bronze ormolu mounts at the corners, feet, and edges. The hardware includes small brass key escutcheons on the drawer fronts, while the serpentine shape tapers gently toward the base with scrolled feet. Measuring 127.5 cm high, 64.5 cm wide, and 37.5 cm deep, these tall chests are suited for symmetrical placement within a drawing room, hallway, or study, where the marble tops serve as display surfaces for lamps, vases, or sculpture.

Napoleon III style, dating from circa 1852 to 1870 in France, revived earlier decorative movements such as Louis XV and Louis XVI, characterised by lavish wood marquetry, rich veneers like kingwood and tulipwood, and elaborate gilt-bronze mounts.

These pieces feature detailed floral or geometric wood marquetry crafted from contrasting exotic veneers, cast gilt-bronze (ormolu) corner mounts and escutcheons, and shaped marble tops set over solid oak or pine frames.

Authentic period pieces exhibit hand-cut dovetail joints, oak or pine secondary drawer linings, historical lock mechanisms, and original cast ormolu fittings showing natural surface patination and soft gilding wear.

A pair of narrow tallboys can be placed symmetrically on either side of a chimneypiece or doorway, used to frame a bed, or positioned in a dressing room to provide refined vertical storage.

Keep the woodwork away from direct heat sources and sunlight to prevent veneer lift, apply high-grade beeswax sparingly along the wood grain, and clean gilt-bronze mounts with a dry, soft-bristled brush without using abrasive cleaners.
items
Add keywords to the filter
Price
£100
£250000
Era
Period
Style
Material
Origin
Stock Location
Recently Added
Online Payments
Categories