A NORTH GERMAN EMPIRE MAHOGANY TEMPLE-FORM TRIPLE ROLL-TOP DESK 
Maker unknown, Germany, circa 1815
82 x 58 x 25-3/8 inches (208.3 x 147.3 x 64.5 cm)

The desk in three parts with hidden drawers and compartments, upper temple-form top with brass balustrade and brass Corinthian capitals to fluted columns with maple inlay, center door with maple shell and string inlay opens to reveal architectural interior with mirrored central chamber and inlaid floor flanked by alcoves with urns raised on pedestals, alcove to either side pulls out to reveal ten drawers, five of these drawers can be pulled out to reveal hidden drawers, flanking the center door are two arched doors with related inlay opening to three drawers with geometric stringing, a release lever allows this block of drawers to be removed to reveal two hidden drawers and a compartment to the left and to the right a hidden cabinet, temple-form top rests on conforming base with maple stringing creating ashlar-like blocks, three push-button levers release six hidden drawers, the lower desk with triple roll-top with maple inlay of stars and stringing, center roll-top releases the side roll-top doors, center roll-top reveals graduated S-curve front with two columns dividing eight fitted mahogany drawers and a cabinet door with maple framing, the side roll-top doors reveal four doors inlaid in the same manner as the center section, above incurved base is a frieze with three drawers, the central drawer opens to a ratcheted writing surface above incurved center fitted with three drawers, the outer pedestals each with three drawers, the whole is raised on six tapering inlaid feet, sides with maple stringing.

The desk is in very good condition with wear expected with age.  The center bronze arcade is detached at one end, but sits squarely.