A rare pair of Régence ormolu-mounted kingwood commodes in the manner of Etienne Doirat circa 1720

Moncet Collection

Private European Collection

Sold Sotheby's, Paris, June 18, 2002, lot 52.

The color overall slighly lighter and more attractive than in the catalogue illustration. In overall good condition. Minor marks to the marble, with chips consistent with age. Very minor losses to the marquetry with some restored old worm and wear to the marquerty consistent with age. The brass dented in areas. The ormolu in overall good condition. The front legs have been blocked and one of the commodes has a supporting frame.
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.

Etienne Doirat (c.1670 d. 1732) was one of the few Parisian cabinet-makers active during the first half of the 18th century who adhered to the guild rules requiring ébénistes to stamp their production.  Nevertheless, he did not stamp all of his production, indeed the seminal work on this maker by Jean-Dominique Augarde cites only 38 pieces which have come to light and which bear his stamp (J.-D. Augarde,' Etienne Doirat, Menuisier en Ebène', The J. Paul Getty Museum, Journal, Vol 13/1985). 

That Doirat was a successful and prodigious cabinet-maker is revealed by the fact that he located his business on the fashionable rue St. Honoré, and by the fact that the inventory taken after his death in 1732 listed a large stock of some 200 pieces in various stages of production. 

A commode of comparable shape and size was sold, Sotheby's, Monaco, May 26-27, 1980, lot 637.