Stock Code: 1974 - SOLD

Description: A superb and rare William & Mary walnut, burr elm & seaweed marquetry escritoire. The segmented moulded cornice, over a cushion moulded drawer profusely inlaid with strung marquetry. Below the fall exquisitely decorated with a surround and central symmetrical marquetry panels, opening to reveal and extensive arrangement of inlaid drawers and pigeon holes with a central cupboard section with further drawers within. A prominent waist moulding separates the two parts of the pieces with an arrangement of two short over two long inlaid, oak lined drawers, with engraved lock escutcheons and drop handles. Both sides again inlaid with symmetrical marquetry panels, the piece stands on bun feet. A historic rare piece retaining excellent colour and patina.

Condition: Excellent. Minor repairs to lose veneers and mouldings, cleaning and waxing. The bun feet & external handles are replacements.

Country of Origin: England

Origin/Age: English, William & Mary, circa 1695.

Provenance: Professor Clifford Truesdell, New York. Originally owned by J. Annan Bryce, Esq., 35 Bryanston Square, Hyde Park, London. The collector J. Annan Bryce (d. 1923) was a MP for Inverness from 1906-1918. Prior to that, he spent a number of years abroad, first as an East India Merchant and then serving on various councils in Burma, where he cultivated a taste for Eastern bronzes and metalwork. The 1923 sale following his death included treasures from many collecting areas; the catalogue took particular note of his 'valuable and well-known specimens of old English furniture'. This actual piece is illustrated in Percy MacQuoid's, 'The Age of Walnut', 1905, p. 133, fig. 123. We have subsequently fitted the correct style feet and handles.

Dimensions: Height 65.00 inches (165.10cm) Width 46.00 inches (116.84cm) Depth 20.00 inches (50.80cm)