A fine tulipwood stained sycamore, amaranth and parquetry commode attributed to Pierre Roussel Louis XV/XVI Transitional, circa 1765

of inverted breakfront form, with a later brèche d'alep marble top above three frieze drawers above two long drawers, the shaped apron with a mask of Diana, the whole panelled with trelliswork parquetry enclosing flowerheads, with gilt-bronze banding, on cabriole legs terminating in gilt-bronze scrolled feet; partially remounted and the mounts re-gilt

Alfred Montgomery (1814-96). He was the second son of Sir Henry Conyngham Montgomery, 1st Bt., married in 1842, Fanny Charlotte, eldest daughter of George Wyndham 1st Lord Leconfeld. Alfred was a commissioner of the Inland Revenue, and was a great society figure.  He was a friend of the prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, who described him as `a man of fashion, dining out to the end'. 
The collection of the late Alfred Montgomery was sold posthumously by Robinson and Fisher on 10th June 1896,  and this commode, lot 168, p. 14 was described thus: 
'A shaped front parquetry LOUIS QUINZE COMMODE with 2 long drawers, 3 small drawers over, on cabriole legs with beautiful metal gilt scroll frieze, festoons at angles with ring handles, female mask and mouldings, and the moulded marble slab for same'
A commode stamped Roussel with an identical apron mount was offered for sale in these Rooms as lot 120, 13th December 1991.

Colour slightly darker overall and gilding more golden and attractive than in the catalogue photograph. Old very minor marks, chips and scratches. Very attractive detail to marquetry. Lockplates now removed. Runners beneath the drawers restored. Handles on drawers later. The gilt-bronze panelling on the drawers and the sides probably later. In overall very good restored conditon.
"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."

Pierre Roussel:
Pierre Roussel, received Master in 1745, was the son of an ébéniste and settled in the rue de Charenton. Between 1775 and 1780, he worked for the Prince de Condé and supplied him with 10,000 livres worth of furniture. The inventory after Roussel's death reveals that a large amount of furniture was in tulipwood, marquetry, bois satiné or amaranth and many pieces were in lacquer and there were examples in geometric marquetry or parquetry as well as floral motifs and landscapes. He also employed the services of the bronziers Turchin, Ravrio and the gilder Trufot.