Writing Bureau Appraisal

Serpentine Front Bureau with Cabinet Base

This is a serpentine front bureau, constructed primarily of wood, likely a mahogany or cherry, given its rich reddish-brown stain and visible grain. The top surface is semi-circular or D-shaped (when viewed from above) and features a noticeable amount of wear, including scratches, scuffs, and several areas where the finish has lifted or chipped off, exposing lighter wood underneath. There are also what appear to be adhesive residues or old labels on the top surface. The main body of the bureau presents a classic serpentine or bowed-front profile, with two drawers stacked above a two-door cabinet. The drawers are fitted with ornate, possibly brass or bronze-finished, swing bail pulls featuring decorative backplates characteristic of traditional or classical furniture styles. The drawer fronts also follow the curved contour of the piece. Below the drawers, a two-door cabinet features simpler, round knob pulls, suggesting a slightly less prominent design for this lower section. The cabinet doors appear to be flush with the frame. The base of the bureau has a carved or molded trim along the bottom edge, terminating in what appear to be modest cabriole or spade feet, providing a slight elevation. The overall style suggests a mid-20th century production, possibly a reproduction of an 18th or 19th-century Federalist or Chippendale style. The craftsmanship, while appearing solid, shows signs of extensive use and age, with the finish damage being a prominent condition issue that would require restoration to return it to pristine condition. The wood grain is visible through the stain, indicating a solid wood construction or at least a high-quality veneer.