Featured 18th century Escritoire ?

Hi All

Just looking for some info on this item. Its been passed down through the family. Was told it came over from the UK to South Africa during the first Boer war? Any more info on this would be great.
Cheers

 

Lovely piece. I had to look up the time period for the Boer War. 1st one was 1880. 2nd one was 1899. Time period would be right. Mid to late 1800s. Other than that, I can't help.

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@Ownedbybear @verybrad @Ghopper1924 @Jeff Drum

 

Looks like mid 19th century Empire to me, not 18th century. Very pretty mahogany veneering.

 

Bit on the heavy-ish side for 18thc agree later like Biedermeier period or Empire revival. Nice though.

 

Also try the description "secretaire abattant"

 

Yep, thinking Biedermeir mid 19th century. Mid European tradition.

 

Where are the pulls?

 

Good question, sees holes but pulls are MIA it seems.

 

The pulls on the interior drawers are extant, though. Their styling, along with the shape of the drawer fronts, reminds me of a Boston worktable of mine ca. 1830.

 

This style of desk is not an american form, but agree the ogee moldings would be very much a mid 19th century, Classical revival style. One sees a lot of mid 19th century mirrors with this style of frame. Round pressed glass pulls would also be appropriate - please don't drill for a second hole!