288 - ~ RARE FLAP-TOP SECRETARY DESK WITH HIDDEN COMPARTMENTS

~ RARE FLAP-TOP SECRETARY DESK WITH HIDDEN COMPARTMENTS made of mahogany and mahogany veneer. It opens to reveal a drawer in the upper section, surmounted by a two-panel flap that opens like a wallet, revealing a green and gold leather writing surface with metal fittings, storage compartments, and four drawers. In the lower section, two panels open to reveal a drawer surmounted by a false drawer that forms a storage compartment. Clover-shaped key and intricate diamond-shaped key (included), lock with multiple pins. Gilded bronze fittings, including palmettes, framing moldings, and a chariot of Love. Portor marble top. Two hidden compartments: once opened, the flap reveals drawers and a central compartment. Removing the upper right drawer halfway allows the central compartment to be removed, revealing a space in which—by moving two metal slides sideways (left and right)—two concealed compartments can be slid toward the center.Another secret: the top drawer, once removed, reveals a metal lock secured by four screws. Pressing the front right screw of this lock activates a spring that lifts the floor of the space that held the drawer, thereby revealing a large secret compartment. Marked “Jacob Frères Rue Meslée.” Consulate period. Height: 153 cm - Width: 96 cm - Depth: 36 m (Restored; in very fine overall condition; rare visible imperfections). Swietenia mahagoni (II/B). Pre-Convention specimen. Provenance: – Acquired from Galerie Chalvignac, rue de Beaune, Paris. – Private collection.