Louis XV style desk

Discussion in 'Furniture' started by Mycenae, Jan 26, 2021.

  1. Mycenae

    Mycenae New Member

    I am looking to buy a desk in this style. The one shown below was sold at Heritage Auctions a few years ago. But I can't figure out when and where it was made? The Heritage description is just "A Louis XV-Style Mahogany and Gilt Bronze-Mounted Bureau Plat, mid 20th century"

    I have found 10 or so similar examples of this desk offered for sale from various dealers and auction venues. They seem almost exactly the same except for slight variations in the color of the wood and of the leather. The descriptions vary from "late 19th century" to "mid 20th century"; some do not give a date at all. None give a maker or provide photos of any identifying mark.

    Given the number of apparently similar types around, I am suspicious of the 19th century attributions. But, I am trying to figure out if some of these are original and some are reproductions, or if they are all reproductions, or just modern creations. Also who the maker is, if possible. Any help would be appreciated.


    Desk-HA.jpg
     
    KikoBlueEyes likes this.
  2. KikoBlueEyes

    KikoBlueEyes Well-Known Member

  3. verybrad

    verybrad Well-Known Member

    Most out there are reproductions. Many made in Italy in the 50s-60s. More recently made in Egypt and China.
     
    johnnycb09 likes this.
  4. Mycenae

    Mycenae New Member

    Thanks @KikoBlueEyes and @verybrad. Maison Furniture is a good lead; it seems they are an Egyptian company. There is a picture of a desk on their site that looks very similar, but the photo is too fuzzy to be sure. So I'm leaning toward modern manufacture, and the 19th century attributions are just wrong. I still like it, though I don't want to buy garbage. Unfortunately the pandemic prevents me from seeing any of these pieces in person. I'm not at all familiar with imports from Egypt. Anyone know anything about the quality of furniture from Egypt?
     
  5. verybrad

    verybrad Well-Known Member

    Like with most furniture, you get what you pay for. Egyptian furniture is made in several grades with corresponding prices. Much of it is reasonably good quality and pricey when new.
     
    KikoBlueEyes likes this.
  6. Fid

    Fid Well-Known Member

    JMHO. define first for what it should be used for.
    these here are not comfy - personal experience ! - for working because there isn't enough place to change the position of the legs.
    when you want to put a PC screen on it and the daily paperwork etc. better buy a "bureau plat style directoire" .
     
    KikoBlueEyes likes this.
  7. Mycenae

    Mycenae New Member

    Interesting, I had not thought of that. Is it uncomfortable because the drawers are too tall? Or is the overall height too short?
     
    KikoBlueEyes likes this.
  8. Fid

    Fid Well-Known Member

    you are practically forced to keep the same position at all time; and the knees touch and rub the drawer part. when working you normally change your position all the time to look at the screen, at papers, at the nice secretary (male and female !!! :)) etc. or for a short relax sipping a coffee.
     
    KikoBlueEyes likes this.
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