Jean-Louis-Benjamin Gros fl. 1845 A rare Napoléon III gilt-bronze, tulip tree, mother-of-pearl and variegated fruitwood marquetry console Paris, circa 1855-60

stamped GROS / PARIS three times to the back.

See Denise Ledoux-Lebard, Le Mobilier Français du XIX^e Siècle, Paris: Les éditions de l'Amateur, 2000, p. 245 for the illustration of one of a pair in the renowned collection Calvet.

Very good quality; good condition and presentation; the top with very minor surface scratches mainly to the finish; the back right leg with old repaired breaks; the front right corner of top with two small replacements to veneers of guilloche decoration; the side panels of the frieze with some very minor veneer tears; the platform stretcher with very minor lifting to some of the stringing. The gilt-bronze of exceptional quality; retaining the original gilding; some areas of tarnishing and wear; there is an area of green oxidation to the centre left caryatid figure; beaded edge to back left corner with a small break and slightly loose; small nicks and losses to veneers at corners of legs and feet and to frieze.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Jean-Louis-Benjamin Gros was recorded as an ébéniste and marqueteur at 27 rue des Blancs-Manteaux until 1850 and then at 43 rue des Tournelles until 1863. He was associated with the Winckelsen firm acting as its main cabinet-maker. Jean-Louis Benjamin's son, Aristide-Henry, took over the business following his retirement. Both father and son exhibited at the major 19th century universal exhibitions and won a mention honorable in 1855.