A German Late Empire Bureau, c. 1810/15, mahogany veneered hardwood frame in architectural partition, the lower section on stylised lion paws - the latter black painted and gilt, 3 drawers with rhomb decor and caryatid lesenes on the front, brass fittings with lion decor, the sides with hidden extensible drawers and secret drawers for letters, central segment in lectern shape with maplewood veneered outer rhomb decor, hinged writing surface with writing mechanism, interior drawers with maplewood veneer, as well as burlwood outlined fronts, ebonised half-column decor with Corinthian brass capitals, green leather inlay, on the outer sides of the writing compartment flaps can be opened for 6 secret drawers on the inside executed in the same style as the writing part, upper finish with slanted alabaster half-columns, rich garland marquetry with floral decoration and sphinxes, large C monogram with royal crown, c. 149 x 121 x 64 cm, inventory label in the top drawer with St.E. 1320 (for St. Emmeram), stamped 1320, some fading, traces of use. (DOC) Provenance: Sale “Die Fürstliche Sammlung Thurn und Taxis”, Regensburg 12.–15. Oktober 1993, Sotheby’s, vol. I, lot. no. 577 Probably originally from the estate of Frederick William III (1770-1840), King of Prussia, brother-in-law of Princess Therese of Thurn and Taxis