A very fine gilt-bronze-mounted mahogany circular center table stamped F.J. Papst Louis XVI, late 18th century, the top reveneered

with a moulded top over a panelled frieze fitted with a drawer stamped F.J. Papst, the turned tapering legs with gilt-metal flutes and milled collars joined by a pierced stretcher centred by a foliate finial, on turned tapering feet

Viscount Astor, Cliveden, Buckinghamshire
Sold as lot 120, in these Rooms, 10th December 2003.

Richard Haslam, Cliveden, Buckinghamshire,Country Life, 10th April, 1986, p. 925, plate 3, where the piece is shown in situ in `the vanished drawing room decorated byAllard for the Astors in 1895-97', reproduced here in fig.1.

Colour slightly darker overall, more natural and attractive than in the catalogue photograph. Old minor marks, chips and scratches. There is a small (approx. 2cm wide) area of damage in the veneer of the top, which can easily be restored. The table is a little wobbly and needs stabilising. Some pins are missing from the gilt-bronze band at the top which can be easily fixed.Gilt-bronze banding on the right side needs one section re-pinning. Very minor patch to the base of the right side (under 2cm approx.) which is hardly noticeable. Veneer a little faded on the sides and would benefit from a re-polish according to taste. Very nice detail to mounts. Some very miniscule sections of foliate mounts on the fluted legs are missing and some have been replaced. Attractive size and in good original condition with a good provenance.
"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."

François-Ignace Papst received Master 1785.

 

Although the present piece is signed by Papst, for its quality and design it is very close to the work of Weisweiler.