A gilt-bronze mounted mahogany armoire in the manner of Molitor early 19th century

with stepped top above a pair of doors, flanked by pilasters with gilt-bronze Corinthian capitals on a platform base 

Colour of mahogany slightly more reddish brown and the gilding is more golden and attractive than in the catalogue photograph.Old very minor marks, chips and scratches commensurate with age and restored vertical hairline cracks in the doors as visible from the catalogue photograph but which have been well executed and are not too noticeable. Minor section of vertical moulding has been reglued to the side of the right internal drawer. There are three shelves internally not mentioned in the cataloguing. In overall good restored condition. Impressive size.
"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:
Ulrich Leben, Bernard Molitor 1755-1833 exhibition catalogue 7th October-10th December 1995, Villa Vauban, Luxembourg, p. 67, no. 48, for a very similar armoire, one of a pair but lacking the gilt-bronze capitals, attributed to Molitor.
This armoire is very architectural in conception and represents the sobre style of Molitor's armoires.

Bernard Molitor (1755-1833), received Master 1787:
Molitor, of German origin, moved to Paris before 1778 and was one of the last ébénistes to work for the monarchy in France. His business was extremely successful and he counted not only Marie-Antoinette as a client, but also other members of the Queen's circle. His furniture was characterised by the use of mahogany veneers embellished with finely cast gilt-bronze mounts and his motifs were often inspired by contemporary events such as Napoleon's campaign in Egypt.