A rare gilt-metal-mounted kingwood, marquetry and verre eglomisé secrétaire à abattant stamped C. Topino Louis XVI, circa 1775 and later

with a shaped, moulded verde antico marble top, above one long and two short drawers with canted corners inlaid with a Corinthian column entwined with flowers, the fall-front inset with chinoiserie verre eglomisé panels depicting Chinese figures in a landscape within flower entwined gilt-bronze panels, the sides with similar panels depicting parrots on branches, the fall-front opening to reveal a shelf, pigeon-holes and six quarter-veneered drawers inlaid with amaranth banding, above a cupboard door similarly panelled and opening to reveal a recess and one long drawer, with a shaped apron, on bracket feet

Colour overall slightly darker, more natural and attractive than in the catalogue photograph, with more contrast between the various woods which include stained sycamore, tulipwood and amaranth. Some very minor sections of veneer off but present which can be reattached. There is a small section of moulding missing at the top of the rear right stile which can easily be replaced. There are some old very minor restorations to the veneer, especially to frieze on the top left side. The top left verre églomisé has a diagonal crack as does the lower left corner of the middle panel on the front, the latter is visible in the catalogue photograph. The gilding on gilt bronze banding to panels is slightly rubbed in places and there are some normal casting cracks which are not too noticeable. The piece is re-backed. The marble top is restored, and very well executed and hardly noticeable. The internal drawers have been stained red inside. There is some degradation of teh verre églonisé, especially on the two narrowest panels on the front. The verre églomisé panels on the sides are later replacements. The frontal verre églomisé panels have been restored especially the lower middle and right panel. It is an attractive and unusual piece in overall 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."

Literature:
Jean Nicolay, L'Art et la Manière des Maîtres Ebénistes Français au XVIIIe Siècle, Nancy, 1982, see pp. 455-473, illustrated plate AB, where it is stated that it belonged to Mr Dubois- Chefdebien and was sold for 146.000 FF in 1941.

Charles Topino received Master 1773.