A GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED TULIPWOOD, SATINÉ, AMARANTH AND KINGWOOD MARQUETRY SECRÉTAIRE À ABATTANT, LATE LOUIS XV, STAMPED JOSEPH, CIRCA 1770 |

the brèche d'Alep marble top, the front and the sides with a floral marquetry, with six drawers, the fall-front with six drawers and two compartments, the lower part with two doors discovering two drawers, one compartment and a safe

- Probably Collection of Earl of Chesterfield, Derbyshire
- Sale Christie's London, 24 May 1949, lot 73, thence by descent 

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate. Good overall condition despite the inevitable scratches and marks due to age and use. As visible on the illustration, there is a small chip to the veneer of the fall front door, just above the bunch of flowers. The veneer and the marquetry has been slightly restored as expected. A small piece of veneer has been replaced at the top of the left hand side upright at the rear. On this same upright, there is a minute shrinkage crack to the veneer, just above the back leg. Four lateral inside drawers of the fall front are replaced and their mounts and locks are later. The gilding is slightly tarnished but the colour is very nice. The chasing is exquisite as expected on a piece by Joseph Baumhauer. The inner is in very good condition with nice colours. The leather top is 19th century. Museal piece.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Joseph Baumhauer dit Joseph, master around 1767

Considered one of the greatest cabinetmakers during Louis XV’s reign along with B.V.R.B., Joseph Baumhauer was known for his excellence with marquetry and the chiseling of his bronzes. Our secretary desk, albeit simple in its lining, is a perfect example.
Among the few comparable secretaries stamped by Joseph that have been auctioned, we note:
- former Collection of Barclay Field, Christie's London, 12 June 1893
- Drouot, Paris, 25 June 1969
- Drouot, Paris, 7 May 1982
-  former Collection of Sir Houston Shaw-Stewart, Christie's London, 4 July 1996, lot 380 The latter is illustrated in A. Pradère, Les Ebénistes français de Louis XIV à la Révolution, Paris, 1989, p. 234.