Circa 1878-1914, signed to the lock plate ''Vve P. Sormani & Fils / 10 r. Charlot, Paris'' for Sormani Vueve Paul et Fils (Paul Sormani Widow and Son), the gilt bronze-mounted and brass-inlaid mahogany slant-front body backed with a mechanical tambour opening to reveal three short drawers over a fold-out red velvet-lined writing surface, the upper half further hinged to reveal an open compartment, raised on fluted tapering cylindrical legs terminating in toupie feet, with key, 34'' H x 26.75'' W x 17.25'' D, est: $4000/6000
Provenance: Private Collection, Southern California

Scattered marks, scratches, rubbed wear and lifting to gilt-bronze banding commensurate with age. Scattered breaks and repairs to carcass including areas on underside, verso and sides near legs. Legs have been reattached. Scattered losses to banding with corresponding areas of fill and gilt overpaint. One band separating from flute on right rear leg. Wear to velvet-lined writing surface commensurate with age and use. Key functions in lock.