An Empire ormolu and patinated bronze-mounted and part ebonized mahogany guéridon, attributed Johannes Klinckerfuss and Casimir Münch Stuttgart, circa 1810

With painted mark Hof 96.1.2. Marble top of later date and now with some small losses to underside of rim and infills; not extensvie. Age and construction cracks and minor lifting to veneer. Underside to top with crack. Patinated bronze with extensive rubbing. Ormolu with rubbing, some oxidation and surface dirt. In goof 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Johannes Klinckerfuss (1770-1831) was trained by his father Philipp Klinckerfuss and Hartmann Gürtler (1753-1812). In 1789 he joined the Roentgen manufactury to complete his training as ebenist and menusier. David Roentgen intended to employ him as head of the projected St. Petersburg branch of his company. The beginning of the First War of Coalitions in 1792 put an end to this plan. A different challenge was found at the Court of Duchess Dorothee Sophie of Württemberg (1736-1798). Shortly after the Duchess had moved to Stuttgart, her husband Duke Friedrich Eugen succeeded to the throne in 1795 and he was appointed Kabinettebenist to the Court in 1799. He held this position until 1812, when he established his own manufactury, but continued to produce furniture for the Royal Court until his death in 1831. Unfortunately, there is very little information on the work of Casimir Münch who held the position of Hofziseleur at the Court of Stuttgart and produced pieces in cooperation with Klinckerfuss.

There are a number of tables of various shapes designed by Klinkerfuss that are of similar or identical form or were decorated with comparable bronze mounts. A design by Klinkerfuss for a circular table with comparable bulbous shaft and base is illustrated Wolfgang Wiese, Johannes Klinckerfuß, Sigmaringen, 1994, p. 354, fig. 43. Another known model for a guéridon with he same base and top section, but with a cylindrical shaft, is illustrated ibid. p. 93, fig. M252. A related occasional table by Klinckerfuss is illustrated Johann August, Biedermeierzeit, Stuttgart, plate 13. A related jardinière by Johannes Klinckerfuss with engraved inscription C. Münch Hof Ciseleur in Stuttgart was sold at Christie's Amsterdam, 10 December 2003, lot 401. Two jardinières with identical bases and similarly shaped and decorated shafts executed exclusively in ormolu attributed to Klinkerfuss and Münch sold at Sotheby's New York, 8 May 2009, lots 191 and 192.  A related pole screen with the same foot and the same vase shaped shaft by Johannes Klinckerfuss and Casimir Münch with original embroidery by Queen Charlotte Auguste Mathilde of Württemberg, daughter of King George III of England, wife of King Frederik of Württemberg, was sold at Sotheby's Amsterdam, 30 October 2007, lot 401.