An Anglo-German walnut and marquetry desk box on an oak stand 16th century and later

inlaid with flowerheads and birds, the fall with figures, deer and hunting dogs, the interior with five small drawers, the apron with a long drawer on a later combined oak stand, restorations

An attractive piece with some rebuilding commensurate with use and age. Good colour. Some losses and wear throughout. Restoration to the front edge of the top and the rear edge of the fall. Hinges later. The fall now with a later rosewood folio rest. Alterations and restorations on lock site and with later lock. The interior with later moulded stick supports for the fall. The long apron drawer re-constructed and with later lock. Some wear to the feet of the oak combined stand.
"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 Victoria and Albert Museum have a desk box of different form but with comparable inlay in their collection. The V&A box (W.17:1-1910) features similar figural and foliate inlay and the piece is given to émigré craftsman working in the Southwark area of London. These artisans employed Northern European decorative techniques to English forms. Southwark Cathedral also have a piece with similar decoration, known as The Offely Chest, it is attributed like the offered lot to a foreign hand.