An Empire Bureau Cabinet

This fine Empire drop-front secretary (secrétaire à abattant or secrétaire en armoire) with a writing and standing desk is signed M. Hirschgartner. Hans Martin Hirschgartner (1766-1839) is a famous Swiss ebenist and became master in Zurich in 1790. He was known for the quality and great craftsmanship of his furniture.

Grey marble top above a single long drawer that turns into a leather-lined standing desk enclosing three drawers, one with three compartments for writing utensils. The fall front opening to reveal a green tooled-leather writing surface and a fitted interior, very fine gilt and patinated bronze mounts, all on raised paw feet.

This most extraordinary crafted secretaire displays superb proportion and distinguishes itself by the combination of both, standing and writing desk.