A Louis XIV style gilt-bronze mounted brass-inlaid ebonized and tortoiseshell Boulle marquetry console France, circa 1870, after the model by André-Charles Boulle

Partridge Fine Arts, London
Sotheby's New York, 24th May 2007, The Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen C. Hilbert: Important French and English Furniture, lot 51 ($252,000)

Near fine, restored, ready to place condition. With three keys. The surface has been re-varnished, and re-ebonised in places, with very minor surface abrasions and a few light scratches consistent with use. Minor dents to the back of the table top. Minor age cracks to the ebonised veneer, consistent with age. Minor rubbing to the ormolu, particularly to the faces and other extremities. The stretcher appears to have probable later reinforcements along the joinery to the legs. Four holes appear to the back panel of the case, visible from the interior and exterior, but patched from the exterior.
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.

This table is inspired by a group of well-documented consoles made by André-Charles Boulle circa 1705. There are three groups, many of which have preserved their marquetry tops of the same design as that on the present piece, taken from engravings by Cornelis Bos (c. 1506-1564) incorporating a chariot drawn by bulls bearing putti, and flanked by singeries, figures, and foliate rinceaux. The earliest group is raised on six legs and is fitted with ormolu satyrs' masks on the four curved legs and acanthus scrolls surmounting the two round tapered legs. The slightly later group, also with cabriole and tapered legs, is distinguished by having female heads surmounting the cabriole legs, and they are wider by almost 11 inches (27 cm). The final group of two tables have only cabriole legs fitted with female heads; they are thought to date from the mid to late 18th century.

The present table derives from the second group, see for example a console formerly in the collection of Lady Salmond, sold, Sotheby's, Monaco, June 22, 1986, lot 554; also a pair from the collection of the Rt. Hon. The Earl of Harrington, now fitted with marble tops sold, Sotheby's, London, November 22, 1963, lot 69.

For a full discussion of these tables please refer to Peter Hughes, The Wallace Collection, Catalogue of Furniture, London, 1996, Vol. II, pp. 752-757, no. 160.