Escrit, the French word for 'to write' becomes ecritoire when referring to the beautiful tabletop or laptop writer's folding desk shown. What is a writer's slope if you're in England has such an elegant name in France. One sees that same elegance in the boulle work, general design, and the true masterpieces by the early to mid-1800s French cabinetry makers who made these. This one is in a distinctive French manner known as 'boulle', which is after the original designer who created the brass marquetry, André-Charles Boulle (11 November 1642 – 29 February 1732). This particular ecritoire came to us from a private estate in France, where its very gentile but aging owner discloses it has been in his family for 100 years, so purchased as an antique then, and treasured through many generations in their chateau. It survives beautifully, as you can see, and is large at 13" side to side. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition, dates c. 1830-60, is not missing any of the intricate saw-cut brass, nor serpentine crafted broad brass pencil-edging trim. It even retains the original working lock and key. Beautiful inside and out, all hardware is engraved and of top quality, and it is as beautiful open for use as it is closed. The original cordovan leather was replaced at some point around 60 years ago, according to the family's youngest member (80). He regrets that the original pair of inkwells were lost/broken over the centuries. Close to or at 200 years old, it is a remarkable beauty. I can see, on a lighted sidelong examination, a couple of the brass marquetry inlays have very slight lift, but are not in danger or lift/loss, do not show unless you bend way down or shine light across the boulle work at a very low angle. Just bears a mention. No breaks. Very fine!
