A provincial louis xvi secretary or ‘secrétaire à abattant’. Classicism, late 18th century. Made from solid oak. straight-lined, exceptionally flat, laterally coffered oak body with fluted pilaster strips ending in slightly tapering feet. The front is decoratively carved and divided into 2 parts. A large rectangular writing flap consisting of a moulded frame with acanthus frieze and flattened panel with rosettes at the cranked corners. Underneath are 3 drawers carved with leaf and vine ornaments. Behind the writing flap, there is a removable insert with 5 small drawers and open compartments. A slightly protruding moulded top panel forms the upper end of the cabinet. dimensions height: 135 cm / 53.14 inch. width: 119 cm / 46.85 inch. depth: 38 cm or 94 cm with the writing flap open / 14.96 inch or 37 inch with the writing flap open. height of the writing flap: 67 cm / 26.37 inch. internal dimensions of the drawers: 11 cm (4.33 in.) high, 98 cm (38.58 in.) wide, 29 cm (11.41 in.) deep. good authentic condition with slight signs of age-related wear including visible repairs and dark (presumably ink) stains on the top panel. See photos. the surface has been cleaned and waxed.