A German engraved ivory, tortoiseshell, blue stained horn, pewter, brass and fruitwood inlaid walnut and marquetry commode, Braunschweig circa 1737

the top inlaid with the coat-of-arms of Charles I, Duke of Brunswick and Lüneburg (1713-1780), above three shaped drawers on rocaille carved parcel-gilt feet; the gilt-metal mounts later; with a later glass top

Galerie Vincent Laloux, Brussels.

Good overall condition with small cracks and dents in places. Two larger cracks on both sides which can easily be filled.
"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."

Comparative Literature
H. Kreisel, Die Kunst des deutschen Möbels, Munich, 1970, Vol. II, fig.82 for a games table dated 1737 which was made for the Brunswick court and is nearly identically inlaid with the coat-of-arms of Charles I, Duke of Brunswick and Lüneburg.

Charles I, Duke of Brunswick and Lüneburg (1713-1780)
The coat-of-arms on this magnificent commode are those of Charles I, Duke of Brunswick and Lüneburg (1713-1780). In 1733, Charles married Philippine Charlotte, daughter of King Frederick William I of Prussia, thus becoming the brother in law of Frederick "the Great" of Prussia (1712-1786). Charles attempted to promote the economic, scientific and artistic development of his state; for example, he founded the Fürstenberg Porcelain Company, installed mandatory fire insurance, established the Collegium Carolinum, an institute of higher education which is today known as the Technical University of Brunswick and also hired Gotthold Ephraim Lessing as the librarian for the Bibliotheca Augusta, the ducal library.

The fact that this excellent commode is inlaid with the ruler's coat-of-arms and the superb quality of its marquetry allows the implication that it was made for use at the ducal court.

Braunschweig furniture
From the early 18th century, Braunschweig craftsmen were reknowned for their skill in making ivory and pewter inlaid furniture. The craftsmen were inspired by Berainesque designs and developed their own style of inlaid mythological figures, flowerheads of engraved ivory or pewter surrounded by strapwork in various woods.