King Carlos IV's secretaire which became a film prop to highlight antiques auction

One example is the La Peregrina necklace which topped of the auction of Elizabeth Taylor's jewellery at Christie's, which had a traceable history back for centuries - apparently being worn in the portraits of Spanish princesses.

A satinwood, mahogany, sycamore and marquetry and parcel gilt secretaire cabinet which is to be offered at Bonhams in two weeks' time.

Re-created from a piece believed to have been made by Seddon, Son and Shackleton, it was apparently destined for the collection of King Charles IV of Spain in 1793 and is listed at £20,000 - 30,000.

Satinwood mahogany sycamore secretaire cabinet
King Carlos IV's satinwood mahogany and sycamore secretaire cabinet

A classic of its kind, it was not merely exhibited a few times, it was even used to create scenes in movies at MGM. At some point in the past several decades it has been divided into different pieces of furniture.

A commode utilising part of the cabinet has already been offered at auction twice: in 1987 and in 2006, but this secretaire was only recently identified by Bonhams in 2011.

Another impressive piece of antique furniture which is no stranger to being exhibited is a Regency rosewood, ebonised and parcel-gilt library writing table.

In 1958 it was presented in Bath at the British Antique Dealers Association Art Treasures Exhibition. It is now selling from a private collection with a £30,000-50,000 tag. The Fine English Furniture and Works of Art auction takes place at Bonhams in London on 7 March 2012.


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