A Large Empire style gilt-bronze mounted mahogany knee-hole desk French, circa 1900

the top set with a gilt-tooled green leather writing surface within a mahogany banding and palmetto corner clasps, the front with eight drawers, the back and sides similarly decorated with eagle mounts within laurel wreaths and raised on paw feet. 

Carcass and veneer extensively damaged with important scratches, nicks and dents throughout. Three drawers with locks lacking. Knob handles to drawers are a later addition and one is lacking. Old stickers and glue marks in places. Extensive wear to edges of drawers. No key. Eagles to each corner have been remounted with new hardware. Extensive tarnishing to gilt-bronze. Scratches and stains to leather top in many places. There are two holes to each side located at the bottom edge of the frieze. Those holes could be consistent with bronze mounts now lacking.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.