A Fine brass marquetry inlaid tortoiseshell and gilt-bronze mounted ebony desk by Toms and Luscombe, 1862

in the manner of Andre-Charles Boulle, the profusely inlaid and engraved top fitted with five drawers to each side around a kneehole, on gilt-bronze mounted reeded and turned tapering legs, one central drawer engraved Designed & Manufactured by Toms & Luscombe, 103 New Bond Street and a side drawer inscribed in pencil E. Sitton, polisher, 1862

Very attractive and lovely quality. Mahogany lined drawers. The bronze mounts are very well chased with only minor wear and surface dirt. Condition is good but there is some damage around the central drawers which makes the whole desk somewhat unstable. In order to reduce the risk of further damage in this area, a wooden brace has been attached to the kneehole as a temporary form of re-enforcement (this brace is not vi sable in the photograph). One leg has an old repair and the carving just above the legs is chipped in two places. The black surface appeared to have been retouched and relaquered in places. There are minor surface marks and some scuffing. To discuss this lot in greater detail please call Edward Rising or David Macdonald on 0207 293 5107 or 0207 293 5507.
"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."

The name of Toms and Luscombe is less well known than the business of Town and Emanuel, which they took over sometime between 1840 and 1851. They traded from the same address at 103 New Bond St. and also specialised in fine quality Boulle or "Buhl" marquetry as it was often referred to in England. They appear in the 1851 census. (Inlay, Marquetry and Buhl Workers in England c. 1660-1850, Pat Kirkham, The Burlington Magazine, Vol. 122, No. 927 {Jun., 1980}, pp. 415-416 and 419). They exhibited at the Great Exhibition of the same year and are recorded as showing "A pair pedestals in buhl and ormolu and pair of tulipwood stand and cabinets ornamented with china and ormolu".

At the time of the 1862 Exhibition in London they can be found in the catalogue as exhibitors 5839 and were awarded a medal for "Buhl cabinets and tables for good design and workmanship". John Burney Waring in "Masterpieces of Industrial Art and Sculpture 1862" includes a chromolithograph of their work (Plate 252) which shows a Table and Cabinet, commissioned by the Earl of Craven. (Reproduced Jonathan Meyer, Great Exhibitions, London, New York, Paris and Philadelphia 1851-1900, Woodbridge, 2006 p.15).