Writing table - ebonized wood rosewood brass

Elegant Travel Desk (Écritoire) – Napoleonic III Era – France, 19th Century
Description of the Object
Fascinating and refined travel escritoire (écritoire de voyage) dating from the second half of the 19th century, an excellent testimony to the high French craftsmanship of the Napoleonic III Era. The external structure features a precious finish in ebonized wood (wood stained to mirror black to imitate ebony), typical of the eclectic and lavish taste of the Second Empire. The exterior is richly decorated with a refined brass geometric inlay framing the profiles and, at the center of the main lid, a magnificent central brass cartouche (medallion) finely engraved with floral motifs and rococo-style scrolls. The escritoire is complete with its original key.
Interior and Details
The drop-front reveals the functional heart of the piece, designed for itinerant aristocratic correspondence:
Writing Surface: Fully lined in red velvet (preserved in its two-compartment layout), which opens like a book to allow access to the document holders beneath.
Upper Compartments: The upper compartment features the classic period division with shaped compartments intended to house inkwells, the pen tray, and the writing implements.
Lock and Hardware: Original locking mechanism and perfectly functioning with its key included. Recessed brass hinges maintain excellent structural solidity during opening.
Precise Dimensions
Closed dimensions: 36 cm (Width) x 29 cm (Depth) x 10 cm (Height)
Total depth when open: 48 cm (with the fall-front fully laid out)
Conditions and State of Preservation
The item presents in good overall condition and is perfectly intact, preserving the splendid patina of time that attests to its authenticity.
Exterior: The ebonized wood retains a beautiful luster; there are the usual and slight signs of time (small scratches consistent with age and use) that do not alter its aesthetics. The inlays and brass fillets are complete and securely fixed.
Interior: The red velvet still shows a very vivid color. Natural historical wear and light era ink stains in the upper wooden compartments are noted (as clearly seen in the photos), details that confer a unique historical charm to the piece.