A German ebony and fruitwood inlaid parquetry and mahogany mechanical bureau late 18th century

with a pierced metal gallery, the slope lifting to reveal four short drawers, one partly illegibly signed in black ink on the base 'Jul Wolfs...(?)... aus Bürgel', the lower section of rectangular form with two frieze drawers above two short drawers, the side friezes with ribbon-tied laurel leaf garlands, on square tapering legs inlaid to simulate fluting, on gilt-bronze toupie feet, the whole inlaid with diaper motifs; the right hand frieze drawer previously with divisions 

Colour slightly darker and more natural and attractive than in the catalogue illustration. There is a minor section of the top of the rear left plinth of the gallery missing, but this can easily be replaced. Some very minor hairline cracks generally commensurate with age. Old restorations to the garlands which appear to be associated. Some old very minor restorations generally which have been very well executed. Lockplates and gilt-bronze-mounts replaced and the screws on the top of the lower section are later replacements. The escutcheon on the left drawer is now missing. Very nice detail to inlay. A rare piece in overall very good restored 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. 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."

Comparative Literature:
Heinrich Kreisel, Die Kunst des deutschen Möbels, Munich, 1973, Vol. III, cat. 268/269 illustrates a related piece in the form of a commode with a rising secrétaire upper section attributed to Johann Wilhelm Vetter of Neuwied, who was a follower of Roentgen.

Bürgel is a town in  the Saale-Holzland district, in Thuringia, Germany.