Bonhams holds rare sale of unique Emmanuel Alfred Beurdeley furniture

The private collection of one of the finest French furniture makers of his time, Emmanuel Alfred Beurdeley, is going under the hammer at Bonhams, London, as part of its Fine European Furniture, Sculpture and Works of Art sale on July 6.

Emmanuel Alfred took over his family's business in 1875. It was started in 1807 by his grandfather, Jean Beurdeley as a 'marchand de curiosités' and succeeded by his father, Louis Auguste, who became a prominent dealer in French furniture and objets d'arts in Paris. 

When the business finally closed in 1895, most of the furniture and artworks created and collected by the Beurdeley family were sold at auction.

However, Emmanuel Alfred kept several pieces, which were taken to his hotel particulier in Paris and late passed down to his children.

Beurdeley's grand pietre dure secrétaire would look amazing anywhere

Among these items is a considered to be one of Emmanuel Alfred's masterpieces. It has attracted a pre-sale estimate of between £80,000 - 120,000 ($130,483-195,710).

Also included is a lacquer desk, based on a model by Nicolas Pierre Séverin currently in the Louvre museum, which is expected to sell for between £60,000 - 100,000 ($97,846-163,059).

This ornate desk, rightly considered a masterpiece, should sell for $195,000

Another unique piece is a Louis XVI style mahogany and ebony cabinet, which has been estimated to sell for £40,000 - 60,000 ($65,213-97,846).

This is an important auction because despite his fame as a fine furniture maker, Emmanuel Alfred's works do not often come onto the market. Therefore, if ever there has ever been a time to buy one and invest, then this auction is it.

Camille Mestdagh, Senior Specialist in Bonhams' Fine European Furniture Department, said: "We are even more honoured to be offering these exceptional pieces directly from his descendants, therefore fresh to the market and in original condition: a great opportunity for discerning collectors!"