A French ebony, ebonised and marquetry escritoire, third quarter 19th century, in the manner of Alphonse-Gustave Giroux, Paris, inlaid with bone stringing throughout, the rectangular top above the frieze drawer and hinged fall opening to an arrangement of six drawers and an open recess with open shelf, above the leather inset, above three further drawers, flanked overall by fluted pilasters headed by Doric capitals, on turned tapering feet, the rear panel bearing an ivorine retailers plaque titled 'J.WALTON & CO. LTD, ANTIQUE FURNITURE, MERE, WILTS', 140cm high, 87cm wide, 54cm deep For a related side cabinet demonstrating similar marquetry panels and stamped A.Giroux see Christie's, The Opulent Eye, 10th September 2012, Lot 70 This escritoire relates closely to pieces made for Maison Alphonse Giroux in the tradition of 18th century marchands-merciers. It is thought that the firm probably did not make any of the wares they sold but rather commissioned them from a number of craftsmen. The firm was established in 1799 by François-Simon-Alphonse Giroux (d.1848), with premises at 7, rue du Coq-Saint-Honoré, Paris. Dealing in luxury goods, and known for its high-quality objects such as glove boxes, caskets for weddings and baptisms, and gifts for the New Year, by 1834, the company also sold small items of furniture. In 1838, the company was taken over by Giroux's two sons, Alphonse-Gustave (d.1886) and André (d.1874), who under the name of Giroux & Cie, further extended the business, showing and frequently winning medals at the Exposition des Produits de l'Industrie française. Between 1855 and 1857, Maison Alphonse Giroux supplied Napoléon III and Empress Eugenie with furniture including a small bureau, two ormolu-mounted chiffonniers, candelabras, clocks and vases. In 1857, the business relocated to 43, boulevard des Capucines, where it remained until 1867 when it was taken over by Duvinage and Harinkouke.