A small Directoire sécretaire "Aux Sphinges", probably by either Jacob-Desmalter et Cie or Adam Weisweiler,

Paris, date circa 1800-05

mahogany flamed, partly carved with sphinxes and patinated and partly gilded. Rectangular body with stepped, curved wreath on straight frame with front sphincter and rear square supports with mirrored back wall on retracted base plate. Foldable leaf covered with green, gold-pressed leather inside. Architecturally structured interior arrangement with 6 small drawers on 2 rows under large, pointed-arch shaped cut out compartments with fine pilasters, the lower part in each case herausziebar and with secret compartment. Extremely fine, dull and shiny gilded bronze fittings and applications in the form of the carriage leading Apollo, mythological figures, rosettes, palmettes and friezes.