A fine gilt-bronze-mounted rosewood, tulipwood and parquetry work table attributed to Johann Friedrich and Heinrich Wilhelm Spindler, Berlin circa 1765/68

with a kidney-shaped gilt-bronze banded quarter-veneered hinged top enclosing a recess above a drawer in the side opposing a dummy drawer, on cabriole legs terminating in gilt-bronze scrolled feet joined by a rectangular shelf with concave sides, the whole quarter-veneered

Fischer-Böhler, Munich, 1979

 

Colour of wood less orange and mounts less greenish and more golden and attractive than in the catalogue photograph. The escutcheon on the front is probably of later replacement as there is evidence of a previous mount. There is a very minor patch to the top, as visible from the photograph and some restored construction cracks which have been well executed. Internal hinge is probably later replacement. There are some dents to the gilt-bronze border on the top. There are some very minor restorations to the veneer generally, which have been very well executed. The mounts are slightly dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste. The shelf has been re-blocked. A rare piece in overall good conserved condition. A rare piece by the leading German 18th century cabinet-makers, comparable pieces of which are in Museum collections.
"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:
H. Kreisel, Die  Kunst des Deutschen Möbels, Vol. II, Munich,1968, plates 797 and 798.
This charming night table of dainty  proportions is based upon the `table à rognon' of kidney-shaped form which enjoyed great popularity during the middle years of the 18th century.

The form of this table is with its sinuous outline, exaggerated hipped and slender cabriole legs joined by a shelf is typical of the oeuvre of the Spindler brothers during the third quarter of the 18th century. In many respects this table bears close similarities to a night table of virtually identical form by the Spindler brothers inlaid in floral marquetry, formerly in the Neues Palais, Potsdam-Sanssouci, illustrated by Kreisel, op. cit.  plate 797, reproduced here in fig.1.

Another related night table by the same makers is also illustrated by Kreisel, op. cit., plate 798.

A related work table attributed to the Spindler brothers inlaid with a pair of swans and also a portrait of possibly Queen Elisabeth Christine of Prussia, was sold Christie's, New York, 24th March 1994, lot 196. Also see another related writing table attributed to the same makers sold as lot 103, Christie's, London, 19th March 1992.

For further information on the Spindler brothers, see the footnote to the following lot.