Victorian Burr Walnut Bureau de Dame with Brass Inlay c.1870

A fine Victorian burr walnut bureau de dame, dating to circa 1870, displaying richly figured veneers throughout and finely detailed with brass line inlay and decorative motifs. The raised superstructure is enclosed by a pair of panelled doors, each centred with an elegant brass inlaid motif and opening to reveal a fitted interior of pigeonholes, compartments and two small drawers. Above is a beautifully figured top enclosed on three sides by a pierced brass gallery. Below, the shaped writing surface is particularly well figured and decorated with brass inlay, while a pull-out writing drawer provides a red tooled leather writing surface together with a fitted pen and ink compartment. The lower section is enclosed by a large panelled cupboard door with striking book-matched burr walnut veneers, opening to reveal a shelved interior. The front is flanked by architectural pilasters with carved corbel and scroll detail, the whole raised on a plinth base with concealed castors. An unusually decorative and practical piece of Victorian cabinet furniture, combining a compact writing desk with considerable storage. The exceptional burr walnut veneers and restrained brass inlay give the piece a particularly rich appearance.