Roll top desk - Wood

Napoleon III cylinder desk, ca. 1870–1880, mahogany with rootwood veneer

This elegant cylinder desk is an authentic example of the Napoleon III style, as it flourished in France and the Low Countries in the second half of the 19th century.
The desk is made of solid oak with walnut veneer and a roll-front panel clad with beautiful rootwood veneer. The ebony trim accents are characteristic of the rich finish from this period.
The interior offers an extensive layout with multiple small drawers and open compartments, centered around a central secret compartment with original multicolor marquetry inlay and a lock. The writing surface is covered with green cloth. The lower cabinet is equipped with a locked drawer featuring a carved acanthus leaf motif. The whole rests on gracefully turned feet connected by an X-shaped stretcher.
Material: oak, mahogany, rootwood veneer, ebony accents, green cloth, brass hardware
Style: Napoleon III
Period: ca. 1870–1880
Origin: France / Low Countries
Condition: Good — normal signs of use appropriate to age, some small defects visible in photos
Pickup: Heteren (Gelderland), near Arnhem, accessible via A50