Lot #109 - BUREAU MECANIQUE DE L'EMPEREUR NAPOLEON, 1808

BUREAU MECANIQUE DE L'EMPEREUR NAPOLEON, 1808

Estimate: 50 000 - 100 000 £

Auction ended

Lot Description

BUREAU MECANIQUE DE L'EMPEREUR NAPOLEON, 1808, the Jacob Desmalter et Cie workshops. Wood (solid wood of different varieties with thick mahogany veneer), bronze (cast, chased, gilded). The mechanical elements that allow the table to be opened (rollers, locks, springs, guide plates) are made of forged steel. The leather covering of two surfaces of the table tops. Total height 88 cm (34 2/3 inches), tabletop height 71 cm (28 inches), length 175 cm (69 inches), width 90 cm (35 1/2 inches), width with extended tabletop 132 cm (52 inches). On the last three photos are similar tables located in various castles of Napoleon 1. (In October 1808, the Jacob Desmalter et Cie workshops delivered a mechanical desk for the Emperor's library (or study). Intended for the sovereign's personal use, this flat desk has a box simulating drawers and lockers, one long side of which opens to form a shelf. By a set of springs and slides, the two plates move simultaneously and in opposite directions with a simple press. The mechanism would have been developed by the Emperor himself for his office in the Tuileries when he was only First Consul. Very satisfied with this system allowing his work table to be quickly closed and locked, the Emperor ordered other copies for several of these palaces. The rectilinear shapes of the desk are accentuated by the lower crossbars connecting four stylized "chimera thigh" curved legs. The lion's claws are replaced by small ogee bases. The gilded bronze ornaments representing sea horses, winged lions, palm fronds, and crowns highlight the warm tones of the mahogany veneer. Deposit of the National Museum of the Castles of Malmaison and Bois-Preau).

Conditions

Good condition. Structurally sound and all mechanisms are in working order (except for the main lock on the back of the table) All bronze elements are original, with well-preserved mercury gilding. The veneer has multiple scuffs and abrasions. The lacquer is tarnished and dirty.