Louis-Philippe secretary, mid-19th century, in walnut burl.

Secretary from the Louis-Philippe era, mid-19th century, made of walnut burr. The walnut burr is flame-figured as it features numerous aesthetic patterns. These patterns have very contrasting complex motifs and intertwined veins on a naturally dark background of varying intensities. This secretary, placed in an office or occupying a corner of the living room, is a private space reserved for writing, correspondence, and storing letters and documents. All these more or less valuable papers are thus kept safe from prying eyes. The main function of this piece of furniture is therefore well fulfilled: to keep secrets. The secretary includes four drawers, one of which is a hidden dovetail drawer located in the upper part of the piece, and in the central part, a panel. This panel opens horizontally with the help of a flap. Once opened, the panel serves as a table on which it is possible to write. The panel in question is covered with worn leather. This dates back to the creation of the piece. When the flap is opened, it reveals a compartment consisting of six small drawers on one side and two secret small drawers on each side. The latter are seemingly impossible to open, but an ingenious system hidden in a leg of the furniture releases a spring and allows them to be opened; it's up to you to find it! The middle drawer, once removed from the piece, reveals a double bottom obstructed by a small board. All the drawers are constructed with dovetail joints, ensuring perfect sturdiness. The drawers can be opened daily and can hold numerous sometimes heavy objects. They slide perfectly. The discreet keyholes do not protrude from the surface. They are made of brass and are called "fil entries." The key is used to lock all the drawers. The top of the secretary is made of solid walnut. The edge of the top is finished with a moulding called "pair of buttocks." The back of the secretary is fitted with a panel.