A Louis XVI ormolu-mounted amaranth and parquetry table à écrire circa 1770, stamped twice Montigny JME

Leather top probably later, now with scuffs and scratches; not extensive. With scattered minor age and construction cracks, scattered dents and abrasions. Refinished. Restagnular area between drawers on front and faux drawers on back now lacking mounts and now with minor filled holes. Mounts with some rubbing, some oxidation and traces of surface dirt. Sabots associated, drawer pulls later. In good, restored 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.

An identical table of exactly the same size, also stamped MONTIGNY, was sold from the Wildenstein Collections, Christie's London, 15 December, 2005, lot 178. Conceived in the goût grec style introduced by the architect Louis – Joseph Le Lorrain in the 1750's, these desks form a group stamped by the ébénistes Montigny and Dubois. The two, being cousins, collaborated and it is thought that Dubois, probably the originator of the model, may have subcontracted its production to Montigny.

A bureau plat of this model was sold Christie's Paris, 23 June, 2004, lot 80; another, from the collection of Karl Lagerfeld, was sold Christie's Monaco, 28-29 April, 2000, lot 34.