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French Louis XVI Style Antique Writing Table Desk Bureau Plat, Schmit et Cie

Creator: Schmit & Cie
Offered by: Silla, ltd.

Description
An exquisite little writing table by the firm of Schmit & Cie, it retains an original plaque on the inside of the drawer noting this as being a product of the firm while operating at 22, rue de Charonne. The workmanship is of exceedingly high quality with precisely cut dovetailing in the drawer and a delightful marquetry display in a diamond pattern with the veneer grains set perpendicular to one another while being divided out by ebony bands. Crisply cast and brilliantly gilded bronze mounts grace the corners, inset the flutes of the legs, band the apex of each leg and surround the keyhole. The tapered legs terminate in turned brass sabots. The desk retains a single original working key.

Refined, delicate, elegant. This very fine writing table is a most excellent find.

Founded in 1856, the widely celebrated Parisian ébénisterie Frédéric Schmit, began producing furniture and decorative arts at 9, rue de Charonne in the center of the furniture manufacturing district: Faubourg St. Antoine. In 1870, the firm joined together to become Schmit, Alavoine et Piollet at 9 et 24, rue de Charonne in 1870. In 1874, the firm moved to 20 rue de Charonne and expanded into 22 rue de Charonne in 1876. They exhibited at the Exposition Universelle from 1878 through 1889 where they achieved gold medals in 1878 and 1889. It was around 1889 that the company became known as Schmit et Cie and continued trade into the twentieth-century.

The works of Frédéric Schmit and his firm are cherished and remain passionately pursued even today. At Sotheby's, his cartonnier bureau plat sold for $ 149,000 USD (October 29 2014, lot 114) while many dozens of his firm's other furniture works have sold through both houses for well into the five-figures.

Measurements: 30 1/8" H x 39 3/4" W x 23 3/4" D

Condition Report:
Good early surface with some blemishes, scars and scuffs as expected including some discolorations to the top. One leg has a slightly greater "splay" than the others. One leg joint tightened with an L-bracket from the underside. Border on the right side of drawer (facing) replaced.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	France
Period:	1900-1919
Materials:	Ormolu-mounted marquetry, ebony, gilt bronze
Condition:	Good.
Creation Date:	Circa 1900
Styles / Movements:	Traditional, Louis XVI
Dealer Reference #:	905PZA29Q
Incollect Reference #:	318221