Crafted from rosewood, carved rock crystal, ivory and French silver, this desk tidy was made in France during the Art Deco period. The desk tidy features two small drawers with ivory and French silver drawer pulls which could accomodate things like paperclips, rubber bands and stamps. To the top of the drawers are two octagonal French, likely 950 purity silver dishes, which sit either side of a central carved rock crystal bird, likely an eagle, which is mounted in silver. There is a space directly in front of the rock crystal which is blank and perhaps originally housed a desk seal or pen holder. The silver dishes are hallmarked from Auguste Leroy & Cie of Paris who were operating between 1912 and 1935, and largely manufactured their wares from 950 purity silver. It is likely that the carved rock crystal element is older than the desk tidy, and could date to the 19th Century or earlier. The piece is in generally good order with some areas of wear to the rosewood, which are commensurate with age and use. A gorgeous example of French Art Deco design which has become so sought after.
Marked - French mark for Auguste Leroy & Cie of Paris, metal unmarked & untested but most likely 950 purity silver
Measures - 21cm L x 7cm D x 11cm H