18th C. Louis XV Provincial 2 Drawer Desk Writing Table Farm & Kitchen Table

Beautiful light, honey-color patina on this Louis XV Provincial, antique desk. Of French walnut or fruitwood, with a "bread board" extension, back apron with birdseye maple, extremely rare for the time.  (See below for more details of its use during this time period.)

The gorgeous banded top and original, recessed hardware speak to the time of its creation in the 1760's to late 1700's.

Its beautiful hand paneling allows the piece to float in a room. Cabriole legs, with some wear on the feet. There are some rings on the top, testifying to the history of the piece as an important part of a French countryside estate. (Please see pictures.)  

As a desk, or kitchen island, this original French piece of craftsmanship is in excellent condition and waiting for the perfect place in your home - honored as a special piece of history, loved and withstanding time.

79.5" long, 29" deep, 30" high. Knee clearance 26".

Use of Birdseye Maple in France (Source: Regent Antiques)
During the eras of handmade furniture, Birdseye Maple was only used by the most skilled craftsmen as it required specialist skills and tools to work successfully. The divergent grains made it exceptionally difficult to work, particularly with the early woodworking machines that would often produce Birdseye surfaced that were torn and chipped, requiring many hours of hand planing to get a high gloss finish. This limited the use of the wood to projects that could afford the additional cost of labour needed.