A William and Mary figured black marble fire surround late 17th century

with boldly carved bolection moulding

Good condition. There is some filler throughout to flaws and cracks. One jamb has a chip to one end and a section broken off the other end, with further fragmentation, chips and losses to the affected area. The other jamb has a chip to the moulded carving near one end.
"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."

This form of bolection chimneypiece was fashionable in the late 17th and early 18th century. Ignoring all architectural pretence the simple moulding served purely as a frame to the fire opening and can be forund in many houses of the period including Ham House, Groombridge Place, Burghley, Belton and The Queen's House Greenwich. Indeed a bolection chimneypiece remains in The State Dining Room at Chatsworth, designed by Talman between 1687-96, where the relatively plain form is surely also designed so as not to detract from the elaborate overmantle carving above.