A walrus ivory and bone veneered jewellery box, Archangel, mid 18th century

in a form of a drop-down secretary surmounted by a top section fitted with a small drawer, the wood carcass overlaid with panels of ivory, some stained in green and yellow tones with floral ornament, the openwork panels decorated with animals and foliage over red metal foil, on bracket feet, with painted inventory number on bottom drawer 1011 

One of the hinges holding the drop-down panel is broken. The central panel of the top drawer and two panels of one of the bottom drawers appear to have been replaced alongside some other minor replacements to the ivory panels. There are losses to the ivory panels, especially to the corners of the drawers and to the green panel of the bottom right drawer. It is a highly decorative and attractive piece. The box comes with two keys.
"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."

A similar jewellery box was included in the Rostropovich-Vishnevskaya collection, see Sotheby's London, 18 and 19 September 2007, lot 72.