214: A VERY FINE 18C. BUREAU BREAKFRONT WITH ELABORATE INLAY

The exceptional 18th century English George III period Mahogany Breakfront Secretary Bookcase is topped by scrolling pediments over a carved dentil frieze and band of ebony inlays above the four doors with gothic mullions dividing the original glazed glass of confirming shape (one cracked). The base with cove molded seat for the upper case is arranged with a door either end, a large central drawer, interior drawers and organization. The entirety is banded, book matched, inlaid and fitted with the original finely cast brass hardware of lionhead ring pulls and original locks throughout. The fine floral inlays are a very unusual feature.

The seller laments that this cabinet was, at one time, given a pre-sale estimate of $40,000 to $50,000 by Christie's in New York.
Measures 107 x 79.5 x 21 inches.
Very good original condition, noting a veneer patch top of the upper right door, minor wear at the edges, fine satin replacement interior, a crack in the glass of one door. No major damage, repair, loss or replacement.
Provenance: Property of Joseph Bird Hall. Purchased in new York around 1980.
$8,000 - $12,000