LARGE LOUIS XVI PERIOD FLAP DESK Stamped by Etienne Avril In mahogany and speckled mahogany veneer, chased and gilt bronze ornamentation, top in white veined marble, the front decorated at the top with a frieze of gadroons and asparagus stems opening into a drawer, a flap revealing a leather-covered writing desk, two leaves at the bottom, flanked by columnar uprights, the legs in the shape of a top, stamped E.AVRIL and JME hallmark on the back. H. 153.5 cm (60 ½ in.) l. 134 cm (52 ¾ in.) P. 42.5 cm (16 ¾ in.) Etienne Avril, received master in 1774 Provenance: Sale in Paris, Hôtel Drouot, 12 June 2009, lot 237. A large Louis XVI gilt-bronze mounted and mahogany secretaire a abattant, stamped by Etienne Avril A pair of interiors also stamped by Etienne Avril and featuring the same ornamentation of gilt-bronze gadroons and asparagus stems sold at Sotheby's Monaco, 24-25 June 1984, lot 3189. *Information for buyers: The auction is exclusive of VAT. VAT at the reduced rate of 5.5% applies to the auction. This VAT is recoverable for French professionals. It is refundable for a buyer from outside the EU on presentation of proof of export from the EU or for a professional buyer providing proof of an intra-Community VAT number and a document proving delivery in the Member State. *Information to the buyers : The hammer price and premium will be VAT excluded. 5.5% VAT will be added to the hammer price and premium. Upon request, this VAT can be refunded to the purchaser on presentation of written proof of exportation outside EU, or to the EU purchaser who will submit his intracommunity VAT number and a proof of shipment to an EU country.