ATTRIBUTED TO GROHÉ FRÈRES active 1829-1884 A PAIR OF LARGE GILT BRONZE MOUNTED EBONY AND BOULLE STYLE RED TORTOISESHELL AND ENGRAVED BRASS MARQUETRY ENCOIGNURES Paris, circa 1860's

each surmounted by rouge de Maine marble tops, the doors centered by a patinated metallic plaque with bacchanial scenes opening to a rosewood veneered interior, the inside of the door with purplewood, satinwood and stained bird's eye maple veneers.

Overall in good condition and impressive presentation. We are not certain the marble slabs are original. Usual minor chips to the edges of the marble slabs. The carcass and veneer with the usual minor chips, dents and scratches consistent with age and use. Minute chips around the keyholes. The gilt bronze with tarnishing and extensive wear consistent with cleaning. Most of the gilding has disappeared to the two acanthus leaves above the paw foot and the oak leaf garland. One corner cabinet lacking four brass bandings framing the foliate mount to the corner of the frieze. The same corner cabinet with loss of three brass bandings to the apron. The second corner cabinet lacking one brass banding framing the foliate mount to the corner of the frieze and one brass banding to the top of the frieze. There are no shelves. One cabinet has a break to one of its oak leaf mount. The brass inlays on to the red tortoise shell show dark stains and wear throughout, most probably a result of chemical cleaning products.
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.

The establishment of Grohé Frères was started in 1829 in Paris by two brothers, Guillaume and Jean-Michel. Their styles resembled the Louis XVI fashion, but they also created pieces incorporating different tastes. This highly successful Parisian company had as patrons the French royals households, as well as H. M. Queen Victoria. The firm took part in all major exhibitions from 1834 to 1878 and won the highest distinctions; Guillaume was made Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur in 1849. The company closed in 1884 and cleared the workshop stock at auction in February of that same year. Pieces by Grohé Frères are now in the permanent collections of leading French museums.

The firm of Monbro was established by Georges-Marie Monbro (1774-1841) who was born in Malta and lived for some time in England before returning to France around 1801. Most pieces are the work of Monbro's son (1807-1884), also called Georges, who usually stamped Monbro or Monbro Ainé. There is a group of furniture preserved in the Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle, which was purchased directly from Paris by John Bowes himself between 1854 and 1856. Perhaps because of this contact and the father's connection with England a shop was established at 2 Frith St. in London in 1870 as well as the premises in Paris. The firm was known for its excellent bronze work and was specializing in Boulle style furniture.