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Louis XVI Mahogany Table d'Architecte / Mechanical Desk, France 1780

$6,240
£4,757.64
€5,704.04VAT Included
CA$8,977.27
A$9,232.63
CHF 5,222.68
MX$118,231
NOK 60,105.98
SEK 62,845.47
DKK 42,639.51

About the Item

This Louis XVI mechanical mahogany architect table is a rare museum-quality masterpiece crafted in France circa 1780 during the late Enlightenment period. To someone who has not seen this exceptional piece of furniture in person, it appears as an elegant, classical library writing desk with clean lines and a beautiful rich wood grain. However, it transforms into an adjustable drafting workstation. What makes this Louis XVI mechanical mahogany architect table truly special, and well worth its price, is the ingenious engineering combined with high-end luxury cabinetmaking. The entire top section can be raised vertically and the drawing slope can be tilted to multiple angles, allowing a collector to use it either while sitting or standing. For a potential buyer, it is useful to know that the main drafting surface is inset with its beautiful original olive-green leather featuring a delicate blind-tooled decorative border. Additionally, a built-in wooden ledge at the bottom edge prevents documents from sliding when the surface is inclined. This multi-functional desk also features two clever lateral pull-out extension slides, which are also lined with matching olive-green leather and operated by small brass ring pulls to provide extra space for instruments or reference books. While the specific master cabinetmaker is unrecorded, this Louis XVI mechanical mahogany architect table is absolutely typical of the elite Parisian workshops of the late eighteenth century, directly echoing the mechanical genius of celebrated royal craftsmen such as Jean-Henri Riesener and David Roentgen. During this era, such bespoke mechanical furniture items were commissioned only by the wealthiest aristocracy, scientists, and members of the royal court, making this a highly prestigious historical artifact. Regarding the history and provenance, the desk has been preserved in a private European collection for decades. The condition of this antique desk is very good, showing only light wear consistent with its age and historical use. The mahogany wood displays a magnificent warm patina, and the original brass caster wheels on the tapered square legs remain intact. Crucially for the buyer, all the complex internal mechanical elements are in full working order and operate smoothly.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 30.315 in (77.01 cm)Width: 36.417 in (92.5 cm)Depth: 21.457 in (54.51 cm)
  • Style:
    Louis XVI (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
    1780-1789
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1780
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    SEDLEC-PRČICE, CZ
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU10963250364852

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