An ivory inlaid sycamore, fruitwood and amaranth marquetry table en chiffonière stamped Delorme, Louis XVI, circa 1780

the rectangular galleried top inlaid with a medallion of lovers with ivory faces set against a landscape, the front and sides with figures of Mars beneath drapery, with three drawers, the top one fitted for writing implements and a silk lined writing slide on square tapering legs headed by guttae, with gilt-bronze mounts throughout 

The Collection of Lady Knatchbull-Hugessen

In overall good conserved condition. Old minor marks, chips and scratches commensurate with age and normal usage. Scattered age cracks which are commensurate with age and normal usage.Some minor staining to the top in the sky area and some fading. There is a small piece of veneer on the left and right side of the right hand panel which is lifting which can easily be reglued. There is a chip to the bottom right corner of the middle drawer and there is a strip of veneer lifting on the left side of the back panel. The front left sabot is missing but this can be easily recast.
"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."

Adrien Delorme (Master 1748, active until 1783) belonged to a family of Parisian ébénistes and like his father François Faizelot-Delorme (1691-1768) made his name with Rococo style pieces using Chinese lacquer panels. Later on however, he specialised in marquetry pieces. Delorme's reputation as a craftsman in marquetry was such that he was mentioned in contemporary almanacs as `one of the most adept and renowned in the production of marquetry'. He moved to the rue du Temple where he was both an ébèniste and dealer. In 1768, he was elected ajudicator to his guild in place of his deceased father.