King Carlos IV's secretaire which became a film prop to highlight antiques auction

Bonhams is to offer the extraordinary antique secretaire cabinet made for King Carlos IV of Spain

One example is the La Peregrina necklace which topped of the auction of Elizabeth Taylor's jewellery at Christie's, which had a traceable history back for centuries - apparently being worn in the portraits of Spanish princesses.

A satinwood, mahogany, sycamore and marquetry and parcel gilt secretaire cabinet which is to be offered at Bonhams in two weeks' time.

Re-created from a piece believed to have been made by Seddon, Son and Shackleton, it was apparently destined for the collection of King Charles IV of Spain in 1793 and is listed at £20,000 - 30,000.

King Carlos IV's satinwood mahogany and sycamore secretaire cabinet

A classic of its kind, it was not merely exhibited a few times, it was even used to create scenes in movies at MGM. At some point in the past several decades it has been divided into different pieces of furniture.

A commode utilising part of the cabinet has already been offered at auction twice: in 1987 and in 2006, but this secretaire was only recently identified by Bonhams in 2011.

Another impressive piece of antique furniture which is no stranger to being exhibited is a Regency rosewood, ebonised and parcel-gilt library writing table.

In 1958 it was presented in Bath at the British Antique Dealers Association Art Treasures Exhibition. It is now selling from a private collection with a £30,000-50,000 tag. The Fine English Furniture and Works of Art auction takes place at Bonhams in London on 7 March 2012.

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Images: Bonhams