L13301

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Lot 247
  • 247

A gilt-bronze-mounted kingwood and marquetry commode by Millet Napoleon III, circa 1880

Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 GBP
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Description

  • gilt-bronze, kingwood and sycamore, oak
  • 85.5cm. high, 154cm. wide, 62cm. deep; 2ft. 9¾in., 5ft. ½in., 2ft. ½in.
of serpentine bombé form, with a moulded breche d'Alep marble top above two long drawers inlaid with a floral spray within a foliate and rocaille cartouche flanked by trelliswork enclosing sprays of summer flowers and carnations, with similarly inlaid sides on cabriole legs terminating in bracket feet, the carcass stamped Millet, the gilt-bronze signed Millet à Paris. 

Condition

In overall good conserved condition. In need of some very minor cosmetic attention but once restored will look most attractive. The quality of the gilt-bronze mounts is very good but they are a little dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste. The wood is dry looking and would benefit from a re-polish and this might bring out the contrast of the marquetry which is rather faded. There are some very minor losses to the veneer which can easily be restored especially along the edges of the top drawer and some very minor patches especially along the bottom edge of the top drawer. Very minor restorations generally to the veneer. The marble top has restored breaks with infill and some very minor chips and would benefit from a more sympathtic restoration.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Maison Millet was established by Théodore Millet in 1853, and operated until 1902 from premises at 11, Rue Jacques-Coeur, Paris before relocating to 23, Boulevard Beaumarchais from 1902 to 1904. Maison Millet was a highly regarded furniture firm that was described as producing 'meuble et bronze d'art, genre ancient et moderne'.  The company won several awards in the series of Great Exhibitions in London and Paris, such as the gold medal in the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle, a Grand Prix in 1900 and three further diplomes d'honneur and four médailles d'or for the furniture they produced. The firm specialized in replicating the Louis XV and XVI styles, though they were acclaimed by their contemporaries for working in their own modern style. In March 1902, the firm was authorised by the Palais de Versailles to replicate Marie-Antoinette's celebrated Grand cabinet à bijoux. An auction was held in 1906 clearing the remaining stock and the firm finally ceased trading in 1918. Maison Millet was an active client of François Linke.