A Regency gilt-bronze, slate and tortoiseshell veneered inkstand early 19th century

Overall in fair condition. There is some slight rubbing and tarnishing to the gilt-bronze elements. Old chips to the front right corner of the slate top. One of the inkwell lids has been replaced. Drawer stiff and does not close properly so that is flush with the sides. Chips to both front corners of marble plinth. One vase flanking the kneeling figure has a slightly distressed rim.
"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."

The present desk stand belongs to a group associated with the leading bronze-mount manufactuer Alexis Decaix who established his business at Rupert Street, Piccadilly by 1794. It closely relates to a yew wood example acquired by the Prince of Wales, later George IV (see M. Levy, `Taking up the Pen', Country Life, 23 April 1992, pp. 60-62). Another related stand in burr-yew surmounted by Egyptian themed bronze mounts, is recorded in a pictorial ledger for the contents of Carlton House, and noted as being supplied by `Dupasquier' (see H. Clifford Smith, Buckingham Palace, London, 1931, p. 203 and pl. 236). A very similar example to the latter with mounts attributed to Alexis Decaix, sold Christie's, London ` The Humphrey Whitbread Collection', 5 April 2001, lot 384.

The link to Alexis Decaix is based on the existence of invoices supplied by him to the Prince of Wales for `bronze manufacturers' in April 1803. Furthermore, the design of the mounts has strong affinities with the engravings illustrated in Thomas Hope's seminal publication, Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, 1807 which includes the introductory rerence:

`Throughout this vast metropolis, teeming as it does with artificers and trademsan I have, after the most laborious search, only been able to find...(one man)...to whose indistry and talent I could ...confide the execution of the more enriched portion of my designs: namely Decaix...a bronzist and native of France...'

Decaix was regarded as the leading London mount maker of the late Georgian era (see M. Chapman, `Thomas Hope's Vase and Alexis Decaix', Bulletin of the Victoria and Albert Museum, 1988, pp. 217-221).

 

A mahoghany and Rouge Griotte `Encrier' with mounts paralleling those on the offered lot, sold Christie's London, `Thomas Hope & the Neo-Classical Vision', 24 April 2008, lot 16.