lancel - Desk set (2) - Leather, Glass

LANCEL & Bourdaloue – Two ancient trompe-l’œil books: desk inkwell and secret-box – leather, glass and paper

Rare and highly decorative pair of two ancient trompe-l’œil books, gathering an astonishing signed-inkwell book by LANCEL and a double volume of the Pensées of P. Bourdaloue transformed into a secret box.

Two objects of curiosity, particularly seductive, designed to naturally take their place among real works in a library.

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1. Inkwell book signed LANCEL

Elegant desk object made in the form of an old brown leather-bound book.
The cover is adorned with a gold frame featuring vegetal motifs, accompanied by small floral engravings in the corners.
The top is arranged to receive a square glass inkwell with a thick reservoir.
The book bears clearly the gold mark “LANCEL,” visible in the photographs.
This signature adds particular interest to the object, Lancel being a famous Parisian house of leather goods and luxury accessories.
The binding shows a beautiful antique patina, with the wear, rubbing, and small losses of gilding typical of an object that has stood the test of time.
Dimensions of the book: approximately 17.5 × 11.5 × 3.5 cm.
Inkwell in glass included.
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2. “Pensées du P. Bourdaloue” – Volumes I & II – secret box
Very beautiful set of two old volumes of Pensées du P. Bourdaloue, retaining their brown leather bindings.
The spine with raised bands presents a rich gold decoration composed of vegetal motifs and still bears the inscriptions:
“PENSÉES DU P. BOURD.”
as well as the indications:
TOME I and TOME II.
The edges are dyed red, giving the whole the particularly convincing appearance of genuine antique volumes shelved in a library.
One of the books has been ingeniously transformed into a secret box.
The inside of the pages has been hollowed out to create a deep concealed compartment, accessible by opening the volume.
This compartment could be used to hide various personal objects, documents, jewelry or valuables. Its exact original purpose is not documented and is deliberately not stated.
Fragments of the old printed text as well as marbled paper are still visible inside the hiding place, greatly enhancing its historical character and charm.
Dimensions of the set: approximately 17 × 10 × 7.5 cm.
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A true library curiosity
Books transformed into secret boxes and desk items were designed to blend with library volumes and discreetly conceal their true function.
This set is particularly interesting for the combination of two different uses:
* a book transformed into a writing accessory with inkwell;
* a double volume transformed into a secret compartment.
The presence of the LANCEL signature on the first object and the antique bindings of Pensées du P. Bourdaloue on the second give the lot a particularly strong identity.
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Specifications
Number of objects: 2 sets
Inkwell book Lancel:
about 17.5 × 11.5 × 3.5 cm
Double volume / secret box Bourdaloue:
about 17 × 10 × 7.5 cm
Materials: leather, paper, cardboard, glass, gilding
Origin: France
Era: antique books, 18th/19th century; exact transformation of volumes not documented
Signature: LANCEL on the inkwell book
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Condition
Good antique original condition.
The objects naturally show signs of use and time: leather rubbing, corner and cap wear, small material losses and gilding wear, marks and old irregularities.
The volume transformed into a secret box shows the cuts and fittings necessary for its function.
Nevertheless, the bindings retain a very handsome decorative presence and a particularly evocative patina.
The glass inkwell is present.
The detailed photographs are an integral part of the description and allow precise assessment of the condition.
An unusual and characterful set, ideal for a cabinets of curiosities, an antique library, or a collection devoted to trompe-l’œil objects, writing accessories and Lancel leather goods.