Mahogany Sloping Secretary, Signed J. Leleu – 1940

Magnificent secretary in mahogany and mahogany veneer signed Jules Leleu (1883-1961). This piece of furniture has a flap on the front decorated with a quatrefoil in mahogany veneer with a chamfered edge. The original key and lock are in perfect working order. A flat hinge inlaid in brass articulates the frame with the flap. The latter is held by brass compasses sliding inwards. The flap has a rosewood veneer frame. Inlaid on it, we find the signature of Jules Leleu on an ivory plaque. This seat is also trimmed with its original wine red leather with cold stamp and gold ribbon. The tabernacle part is made up of two drawers with brass buttons and a large niche. The entire interior part is in rosewood veneer (drawers and shelf). The top of this piece of furniture is overflowing and has a large solid mahogany groove around its edge. Below the flap, a drawer with butterfly-wing mahogany veneer is surrounded by a half-round projecting strip. This is eventful and convex downwards. The crosspiece covered with a half-round in brass. This secretary rests on four solid mahogany legs. They become thinner towards the bottom with a groove on the inside. The sides of this piece of furniture are made of falling wire, also at the back. This secretary made by Jules Leleu benefits from an original varnish in perfect condition bringing out the red tones of the mahogany. The reflections are sublimated and luminous. This remarkable piece of furniture, with its quality design, will charm you with its refinement and elegance. Jules Leleu (1883-1961) was a French cabinetmaker and designer, famous for adapting modernism with classic lines. He remains best known for his designs with simplified shapes, exotic woods as well as his marquetry and ivory inlays. He was born on June 17, 1883, and after studying decorative painting, he took over his father's painting business at the age of 26 with his brother, Marcel. He opened a gallery, Maison Leleu, and devoted himself entirely to making furniture. In 1925, he exhibited at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts where he won the grand prize. His notoriety grew and he designed the Île de France and Normandy liners, as well as French embassies around the world and the Grand Salon des Ambassadeurs at the League of Nations in Geneva. ******** Period: 1940 Excellent condition with its original varnish. Additional photos available by clicking on the following link: https://www.antiquites-lecomte.com/boutique/secretaires/secretaire-a-pente-en-acajou-signe-j-leleu-1940 Delivery possible, in France and in Europe, by our partner specializing in furniture transport. Dimensions: Width: 76.5 cm Depth: 46 cm Height: 105 cm Ref: 999 T