Bureau a Gradin Writing Desk with Bronze Signed B. Andrieu

Important Bureau a Gradin (Bureau Plat) French 2nd Empire period writing desk 1870-80's. Bureau Plat a Gradin, Napoleon III, 2nd Empire Period writing desk with Gallery of drawers above beautiful Solid Brass Winged Angels. Excellent Rosewood Grain Veneer, all original French Polish finish. Beautiful French Writing desk with an AD Mougin, 8 day Clock. Wreath and leaf design brass escutcheons on each draw and Two bronze portraits of the Marriage of Napoleon and Empress Marie Louise, signed Andrieu (Bertrand Andrieu Sculpture and engraver) dramatic Sculptures of the Caryatids, the women of Carias forced to bear the heaviest burdens. Caryatids also means angel in Greek. Bertrand Andrieu (November 4, 1761 – December 10, 1822) was a French engraver of medals from Bordeaux. In France he was considered as the restorer of the art, which had declined after the time of Louis XIV, and during the last twenty years of his life the French government commissiond him to undertake several works. Many of his medals are figured in the Medallic History of Napoleon. Excellent Gold toned plated Brass/Bronze embellishments throughout, including plaques of the Emperor and Empress Eugenie, two Eagles guard the Desk on the upper gallery of drawers. Excellent embossed leather on center desk and two side draw writing tablets. Right bank of drawers on the desk are one set which has a locked box or safe with a wooden peg to prevent removal from the desk. Clock was cleaned and overhauled in 1994 (placed in storage) and keeps excellent time and has a nice chime ring on the half hour and hour. Desk measurements are: 51' Wide X 25.5" Deep X 59" High. Shipping quotes can be arrange for any destination. Desk can be taken down and disassembled to preserve clock and sculptures for shipping. All lock sets function perfectly. Excellent condition and beautiful French polish. Age of the leather is unknown and in beautiful condition with some minor scrapes here and there. 2 well donerepairs to veneer right side and left side approx 3" square on leading edge border at corner of leather in the wood only.