Bernini - Gianfranco Frattini - Writing table - Form 804 - Walnut
03
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20
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Current bid
€ 250
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Expert
Selected by Alexander Fahl
Art historian with over 10 years' experience and expertise in Italian design.
Estimate € 1,000 - € 1,100
 | €250 | |
|---|---|---|
| €100 |
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The Italian Mid-Century Modern Model 804 double-sided secretary, designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini in 1962, is made of walnut, leather and glass and dates from 1960–1970.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Iconic and rare two-faced writing desk "secretary" model 804, designed by the master of Italian design Gianfranco Frattini in 1962 for the historic Bernini manufactory in Carate Brianza.
Autentically a masterpiece of mechanical engineering and Italian Mid-Century Modern marquetry, model 804 presents closed as an elegant and compact chest of drawers, but hides a unique synchronized opening mechanism:
Synchronized mechanism and Front: By pulling the two handles on the removable writing top (upholstered in original black leather), the upper wooden slat tambour (slatted blind) slides backward simultaneously, revealing the secrétaire compartment equipped with small stationery drawers and organizer compartments. At the bottom, the cabinet has six drawers arranged in two columns with the classic crescent-shaped recessed handles.
Original crystal lift: At the top there is the original molded transparent crystal top, designed by Frattini to allow placing lamps or objects on the top of the piece while keeping the lower tambour sliding free.
Back part (Center-room Two-sided): Entirely finished on the back as an open-bookcase with freestanding compartments, designed to be placed also in the center of the room.
Base: The structure rests on a base framework with cylindrical wooden legs.
Details and Condition:
The piece is in excellent structural and aesthetic original condition, with a beautiful warm patina of walnut wood. The black leather top is well preserved and the synchronized mechanism between the extendable top and the tambour slides smoothly. The original crystal top is intact.
For full transparency: in the rear bookcase there is the shelf in the right-hand compartment, while the mobile shelf is missing in the left-hand compartment.
Slight and physiologically expected signs of time along the lower edges, fully consistent with the piece’s age.
Dimensions:
Width: 100 cm
Depth: 65 cm (closed) / 106 cm (with writing desk extended)
Height: 79 / 80 cm (writing surface height: 64 cm)
Iconic and rare two-faced writing desk "secretary" model 804, designed by the master of Italian design Gianfranco Frattini in 1962 for the historic Bernini manufactory in Carate Brianza.
Autentically a masterpiece of mechanical engineering and Italian Mid-Century Modern marquetry, model 804 presents closed as an elegant and compact chest of drawers, but hides a unique synchronized opening mechanism:
Synchronized mechanism and Front: By pulling the two handles on the removable writing top (upholstered in original black leather), the upper wooden slat tambour (slatted blind) slides backward simultaneously, revealing the secrétaire compartment equipped with small stationery drawers and organizer compartments. At the bottom, the cabinet has six drawers arranged in two columns with the classic crescent-shaped recessed handles.
Original crystal lift: At the top there is the original molded transparent crystal top, designed by Frattini to allow placing lamps or objects on the top of the piece while keeping the lower tambour sliding free.
Back part (Center-room Two-sided): Entirely finished on the back as an open-bookcase with freestanding compartments, designed to be placed also in the center of the room.
Base: The structure rests on a base framework with cylindrical wooden legs.
Details and Condition:
The piece is in excellent structural and aesthetic original condition, with a beautiful warm patina of walnut wood. The black leather top is well preserved and the synchronized mechanism between the extendable top and the tambour slides smoothly. The original crystal top is intact.
For full transparency: in the rear bookcase there is the shelf in the right-hand compartment, while the mobile shelf is missing in the left-hand compartment.
Slight and physiologically expected signs of time along the lower edges, fully consistent with the piece’s age.
Dimensions:
Width: 100 cm
Depth: 65 cm (closed) / 106 cm (with writing desk extended)
Height: 79 / 80 cm (writing surface height: 64 cm)
Details
Era
1900-2000
Wood type
Walnut
Specific region of origin
Unknown
Number of objects
1
Country of origin
Italy
Manufacturer/brand
Bernini
Model
Form 804
Designer/artist/maker
Gianfranco Frattini
Material
Crystal, Leather, Wood
Style
Mid-century modern
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
80 cm
Width
100 cm
Depth
65 cm
Estimated period
1960-1970
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