This burled walnut secretary is a rare and exceptional piece, dating from around 1913. It belongs to the very first wave of creations by Ruhlmann, a period of which only a few examples are known. At the time, his furniture was crafted by highly skilled artisans in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine. This particular model was made by Haentges Frères.

We are aware of another similar secretary in Macassar ebony, stamped by Haentges Frères. Ours, while unsigned, shares the same refined craftsmanship. Notably, the Maison Gerard gallery in New York exhibited a comparable piece during its 2004 retrospective on Ruhlmann’s early work.