Paul Sormani French, 1817 - 1887 A gilt bronze-mounted kingwood, satiné and bois de bout floral marquetry commode Paris, late 19th century

surmounted by a brèche d’Alep marble top and fitted with two long drawers, the lock engraved PAUL SORMANI / 10 r. Charlot Paris

Camille Mestdagh, L'Ameublement d'Art Français: 1850-1900, Paris, 2010, p. 123, pl. 122 for the model from the Pierre Lécoules archives

Overall in good condition and presentation with the usual minor hairline scratches and minute nicks to veneers and carcass consistent with age and use. Tarnishing to gilt-bronze in places also consistent with age and atmospheric conditions through the years. The marble with the usual minute chips to edges, light scratches to surface consistent with age and use, due to placing object on top. Losses of veneers along edges of drawers and visible repairs to veneers at center bottom edge of upper drawer. three losses of veneer of approximately 1 inch square, one located to the center of the commode beneath the marble, the other to the proper left hand side front leg, the last to the center of the commode apron.
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.

Identical models of this impressive commode by Sormani are currently housed at the Catherine Palace, Tsarskoe Selo, St. Petersburg and at Louise Vanderbilt's boudoir in Hyde Park, New York.