French Marquetry Writing Desk 19th Century

Name: French Desk Empire Centre Table Marquetry Inlay
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1239970
Price: 1550 GBP
Availability: InStock

FURTHER BROWSING

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

French Roll Top Desk Louis XVI Inlay Bureau

1920

Small and Very Pretty French Marquetry Writing Table

1900

Antique French Inlaid Bureau Plat Desk

1890

19th Century French Louis XV Style Marquetry Escritoire with Original Marble Top

19th Century

A 19th Cent French Marquetry Escritoire.

19th Century

Top Quality Ladies Rosewood Desk

1900

Inlaid Rosewood Bonheur Du Jour

1890

Pretty French Walnut Ladies Bureau

1860

C19th Burr-walnut and Floral Marquetry Inlaid Ormolu-mounted 'Bureau Plat' or Writing Table.

Victorian

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

Cataloguer’s Note

Sustainable Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

Strictly Vetted Dealers

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.

Secure Transit

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.

The Sustainable Choice

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.

Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectDesks & Writing Tables
Period19th century
StyleFrench Louis XV Style
MaterialWalnut, Ormolu, Brass, Timber Marquetry
ColourWarm Brown
MotifsFloral marquetry, Serpentine edge, Cabriole legs, Brass mounts
SizeH 78 cm (31 in) x W 114 cm (45 in) x D 68 cm (27 in)

This antique French writing desk and centre table dates from 1880 in the Louis XV style, constructed from warm brown timber with intricate floral marquetry inlay across the serpentine top. The piece stands on slender cabriole legs fitted with original ormolu mounts and a brass edge moulding following the curved contours of the tabletop. Measuring 78 cm high by 114 cm wide and 68 cm deep, the table provides a practical writing surface for everyday administrative tasks. Positioned in a home today, this versatile furniture piece functions effectively as a freestanding centre table in a drawing room or as a compact writing desk in a study or home office. The polished wood finish and detailed floral ornamentation suit traditional and formal interior schemes, bringing period French character into domestic spaces while offering immediate functional use.

FAQs

Originating in 17th and 18th century France, marquetry centre tables feature decorative veneers cut into intricate floral or geometric patterns. These tables were designed to stand in the centre of a room rather than against a wall, serving as functional writing surfaces and artistic focal points.

Craftsmen used fine hardwoods such as walnut, kingwood, rosewood, and mahogany as base structures and veneers. Decorative accents included brass or gilded bronze mounts alongside multi-wood floral marquetry crafted from contrasting native and exotic timbers.

Authentic pieces display hand-cut veneer joinery, dovetail joint construction on drawers, and natural ageing or patination on metal mounts. Examining the underside often reveals secondary woods like pine or oak, alongside hand-planed tool marks indicative of historical craftsmanship.

Position the table as a standalone writing desk or statement centre piece in a hallway, library, or living room. Pairing intricate woodwork with understated contemporary seating creates a balanced contrast between historical craft and modern design.

Keep the piece away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent veneer lifting or fading. Dust regularly with a dry microfibre cloth and apply beeswax polish periodically, avoiding harsh chemical cleaners that could degrade the polished finish.

Canonbury Antiques

French Desk Empire Centre Table Marquetry Inlay

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

French Roll Top Desk Louis XVI Inlay Bureau