Sturdy, usable condition overall. The bust at the top has been previously broken and repaired with glue around a fracture at its socle; there is also a missing finial from the stretcher at the base. The plaques are all intact but it is not possible to remove them and check for marks without damaging the doors. The bronze bezels surrounding the largest plaques are loose and need new finishing nails to hold them in place. The wood throughout has very faint scratches and faint age cracks, but is in good condition overall. The fold-out writing surface appears original and is stained. Probably Parisian origin; circa 1870s-80s.