A LOUIS XVI STYLE MARBLE TOPPED AND BRONZE MOUNTED TULIPWOOD PARQUETRY SECRÉTAIRE À ABATTANT, POSSIBLY BY JOSEPH CREMER, 19TH CENTURY, the thick rectangular fleur de pêcher marble top with caveto trim and shaped corners above similar corners embellished with mounts cast as greek key and laurel branches surrounding an acanthus leaf, flanking a frieze drawer with two berried laurel wreath pulls on an entre lac mount, enclosing conforming panels inlaid à quatre faces alternating beaded florets, above an Oeben cube inlaid fall front door within green tinted striped string inlay continuing to greek key corners and framed by kingwood crossbanding, mounted with a nicely detailed oval beaded shield escutcheon flanked by ribbon tied fruiting cornucopias and scrolling acanthus stems issuing berried laurel branches, the cut steel and brass lock stamped "Duvivier Paris 77 FG St Antoine," opening to reveal an interior fitted with a later green velvet covered writing surface and various open compartments over chevron parquetry inlaid short drawers, over a molded bronze trim on a two door cabinet with each centering chevron parquetry inlay within kingwood crossbanding and bronze encadrements ending in shaped corners adjoining paterae mounts, each door mounted with ribbon tied laurel leaf swags and oval shield cast escutcheons, raised on a molding trimmed base with a shaped apron centering a berried acanthus and flat band mount, on a similarly inlaid tulipwood ground and continuing to block feet, some bronze mounts were removed to reveal verso initials 'JC," includes two keys. Height: 53 3/4" Width: 33 3/4" Depth: 15 1/4"       Provenance: Private Collection of Jack and Brenda Hendlmyer, Houston, Texas.

Good condition, restored long ago, darkened surface buildup, gilding rubbed throughout, normal chips and a few small veneer losses, light marks, scratches and general wear throughout. One small paterae mount on lower left side is lacking. The fall front door right side interior has some cracks where the bronze arch hinge slides into the case.This secretaire is solid in its construction utilizing traditional oak along with other woods (ie; walnut, mahogany, cedar) with dovetails, sunk slot screws, and animal glue.  Except for the top escutcheon, the bronze mounts are attached from the inside with long threaded screws. The Duvivier locks throw twice locking or unlocking. The top lock is large with two steel teeth instead of the normal one. The upper secretary has double wood-lined sides while the back is not. The upper secretary encloses a separate conforming case fitted with the open compartments and four short drawers as well as the fall-front panel with brass slide hinges closing into the sides of the conforming case. There are two quarter-round wood blocks at top left and right that prevent the conforming case from being pulled from the upper body. Several bronzes were removed and revealed incised JC (possibly Joseph Cremer) on the reverse as well as several other effaced marks.    Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS." NO REFUNDS will be issued based on condition.