Napoleon III Boule Inlaid Escritoire Bookcase

Late 19th century, three part form, ebonized wood, mother of pearl, brass and tortoise shell inlays, upper recessed bookcase with shaped gallery featuring applied carved moldings over a concave flush drawer, over two hinged glazed doors with scalloped surround, repeating glass panes to the case sides, king wood book-matched veneer interior with wood shelf, the base with slight serpentine edge and ormolu trim featuring a single drawer with divided writing compartment interior including a sliding velvet lined writing surface and one removable divided tray, cabriole legs with ormolu mounts, the whole with intricate floral and diapered panel inlays.

68.5 x 38 x 22 in.

From the Collection of Madeleine Katavolos, Pinehurst, North Carolina

As found estate condition; scattered areas of inlay loss, most heavily lost at the waist board; waist board with shrinkage crack; right door lacking stile trim; interior of drawer missing one tray; rear left foot missing ormolu at base; writing drawer operation is stiff.