A fine German neoclassical ormolu-mounted mahogany two-part slant-front desk circa 1795, after a design by Friedrich Gottlieb Hofmann

the superstructure with two cupboard doors opening to reveal three drawers above a sliding green leather-lined writing surface, above a slant-front opening to reveal a green leather writing surface fitted with a central compartment with a sliding door, flanked on each side by three small drawers; the sides of the superstructure with two cupboard doors opening to reveal an interior flanked on either side with two small drawers.

Restorations to the veneer on the supersturcture, particularly to the doors. The locking mechanism to the cupboard doors is a later replacement. Previous lock mounts to key holes. Minor chips to candle-nozzle side of the vase finial. Minor hairline cracks to the veneer consistent with age. In overall good condition.
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.

Friedrich Gottlieb Hoffmann was born in 1741 near Leipzig and became a master cabinetmaker in that city. Up to 1784 he worked for the dealer Karl Christian Heinrich Rost who commissioned Hoffman to make copies of English and French furniture. Possibly under the advice of Rost who published numerous catalogues of his stock, Hoffman published two catalogues of his own, the first appearing in 1789 (Abbildungen der vornehmstem Tischlerarbeiten, welche verfertiget und zu haben sind ...), the second, published in 1795, Neues Verzeichniss und Muster Charte des Meubles Magazin.  Each catalogue was illustrated by the Leipzig engraver Jacob Tromlitz (1767-1801) and complete descriptions of the pieces were provided. In the first catalogue Hoffman left the choice of woods to the purchaser and offered packing and shipping, in disassembled form. 

Plates XXVI and XXVII in the 1795 catalogue depict a desk on which the present example appears to have been based, described as 'Ein Bureau mit einem Außatz.'  In this period, Hoffman was enjoying considerable success and had expanded his workshop employing some 42 paid workers and journeymen.  He supplied furniture to the German courts in Gotha, Weimar, Dresden and Berlin, also to Vienna, Constantinople and St. Petersburg.  Hoffman died circa 1806 leaving no successor to run his business.  For a full discussion of the life and work of this important cabinetmaker see, Kornelia Krull, 'Friedrich Gottlob Hoffmann, A Late Eighteenth-Century Leipzig Cabinet-Maker', The Journal of the Furniture History Society, Vol. XXV, 1989, pp. 120-123.