Rare Antique Barrister's Bureau, English Secretary, Escritoire - Georgian c.1760

This is a rare antique barrister's bureau. An English, mahogany and boxwood fall-front writing cabinet or secretary with myriad concealed storage, dating to the high Georgian period, circa 1760. Exceptional in craftsmanship and ingenuity, with hidden function to surprise throughout. A total of 22 hidden or secret storage compartments await to be discovered. Displaying a desirable aged patina and in gently time-worn antique order. Select stocks present beautiful figuring and warm russet and caramel hues. Boxwood and ebony marquetry adds further visual sophistication to the bureau. Dual fall front affords access to the writing surface and a book rest for transcription or reference. Once open, each half rests upon a substantial pair of sliding lopers, dressed with brass drop handles. The writing surface is set at a comfortable working height of 76cm (30''). Upon the right hand fall, a removable book rest provides a stage for reference volumes. In addition to the bank of six drawers, the upper conceals numerous hidden storage solutions. Arcaded divisions frame the central cabinet door, replete with inset lock — in working order, key present Inlaid star motif to the door accentuated in contrasting boxwood and ebony. Inside, checkerboard marquetry sits before a mirrored back, offering a fascinating display space. This central cabinet can be removed through pin access set within the inlay. Upon the reverse, a quartet of sliding compartments nest within the rear of the display cabinet. Smaller items can also be stowed within compartments behind the pilasters and the central stepped fascia. The outer arcade sections pull forward, with shallow compartments set within. Sliding back the cover beneath the central cabinet reveals further storage within the bureau. Behind a panel at the front of this storage space, a removable chest of eight slide drawers. The final hidden storage containers are situated behind the central most pair of small drawers. Beneath the bureau, a suite of five drawers arranged as the classic two over three. Each dressed with quality brass drop handles upon shaped fretwork backplates. Faux drawer fascia to the centre flanked by a pair of small drawers. Graduated full width drawers below complete the comprehensive storage space innate to this piece. The whole standing upon a quartet of ogee bracket feet, typical of the Georgian period. Offering a near unprecedented collection of hidden storage, this exceptional antique barrister's bureau bears the craftsmanship and pursuit of concealment to fascinate any observer, in addition to an elegance to be expected of the best furniture from the period. A rare opportunity to acquire a bureau that presents function in every imaginable way, set within cabinetry of the first order. Solid joints and construction, delivered ready for the home or institution. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our antiques. Please contact us if you require any further information - we are here to help.