50's secretary system

Compact secretary with a drop-down front, sometimes referred to as a wall secretary or small housing secretary, furniture designed for rebuilt apartments with reduced surfaces. The drop-down front serves as a writing surface, and the interior volume is intentionally simple, without decorative luxury. The most interesting feature is the lateral structure system with perforated uprights, vertical uprights with openings, an adjustable and removable top shelf, a constructive and rational logic, almost modular. This is typical of functional furniture from the post-war period, influenced by rationalism and modernist principles (utility, material economy, reparability). It is made of solid oak with thick veneer. Simple, visible joinery. Discreet, utilitarian hardware, marquetry, with no superfluous decoration. This corresponds to a production of good quality, but not luxurious, often originating from regional workshops or semi-industrial manufacturers. Attribution: René-Jean Caillette or Roger Landault. Original patina. Condition consistent with age. Circa 1945/50.