A Baltic brass-mounted mahogany secrétaire à abattant first quarter 19th century

the white marble top above a frieze drawer and fall-front opening to reveal a leather-inset writing surface and a fitted interior with three drawers carved with arcades above four short drawers flanked by fluted Corinthinan columns and pigeon-holes, above three drawers, and a pair of cupboard doors

Colour slightly more reddish overall, and more natural and attractive than in catalogue illustration. The brass is slightly dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste. There is a hairline crack in the veneer across the fall-front due to slight warping and an old restoration to the bottom left corner which is a slightly lighter colour than the rest. The central section, with the drawers inside, possibly had a revolving mechanism but this no longer works. There are some areas of brass lifting on the left canted corner. There are restored cracks down the sides some of which on the left side have not been sympathetically executed and would benefit from further restoration. There is a section of brass moulding on the left side of the top that has been replaced. There are three long drawers in teh lower section. An attractive piece in overall good restored condition.
"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."