Secrétaire à abattant - Mahogany

A small slant-front desk (also called a 'donkey-back desk' or 'lady's desk'), Louis XV style, in mahogany, resting on four curved feet ('biche feet') joined by a serpentine apron. The front opens by:
- an inclined fall-front that reveals a traditional interior layout: pigeonholes, small brass-knob drawers on each side, a central niche, and above all a secret compartment hidden under a removable plate (clearly visible in the photo) — two drawers in a belt beneath the fall-front.

The writing surface is clad with crocodile-embossed leather in red-orange with a gold filet — a leather of good quality, but its appearance (bright color, regular pattern) suggests it has been redone or replaced at a more recent time, which is very common for this type of desk (the original leather wears and tears).
Locking key (works).

The style is probably 'Louis XV revival', very widespread in France in the second half of the 19th century, with manufacture in Nantes or Bordeaux. Very charming!

The condition is consistent with its age, with small cracks, chips and scratches, and the leather redone. But it remains a very charming piece for classic home decoration.
The structure and feet seem overall solid and original.

The piece is to be picked up in Paris (very close to Trocadéro). The buyer should bring whatever they think is necessary to transport a relatively fragile piece of furniture. We can wrap it in paper, bubble wrap, and tape, and help the driver load it onto the truck if an appointment has been scheduled. (Note that we will be away from Oct 14, 2026 to Dec 6, 2026).