A suite of karelian birch, stained sycamore and parquetry seat furniture in Russian Empire style, late 19th/early 20th century

comprising pair of armchairs and sofa

Andreas Tostrup Urbye was a prominent Norwegian criminal law professor and politician.  From 1913-1916 he was Minister of Labour and from 1916-1917, Attorney General in Gunnar Knudsen's government. In 1924, he was installed as Norwegian ambassador to Russia. He remained in this role until 1939 before being appointed as a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Den Haag until 1949. It was during his time as ambassador in Moscow that Andreas Tostrup Urbye started to assemble a collection of Russian furniture and decorative arts.

Thence by descent

Joints sound and sturdy. Armchairs: Restored vertical construction cracks some of which are opening up again and can easily be filled. Some patches to the veneer and some hairline cracks generally. On one armchair there are vertical construction cracks which have been filled in the past and are opening up again. Sofa: Reblocked. The strip of veneer on the top of the top-rail is partially replaced and is lifting slightly. There are vertical construction cracks which have been filled in the past with red infill and are opening up again and would benefit from a more sympathetic restoration. Restorations and patches to the veneer generally. A most attractive lot in overall good conserved 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."