- 248
An extraordinary collection of geological specimens formed in the 19th century
Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
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Description
- Birch, shells, coral (white), metal, hardstones - PLEASE CONTACT DEPT IF FOR EXPORT
- 71cm. high, 105cm. wide, 46cm. deep; 2ft. 5in., 3ft. 5½in., 1ft. 6in.
within a fitted birch and ebonised cabinet, the interior consisting of twelve drawers containing an incomplete collection of semi-precious stones, fossils, agates, minerals and shells including Cumberland blue baryte, a Derbyshire part-polished baryte and a small green pyromorphite specimen, incomplete and with losses to the cabinet
Condition
The cabinet is very tired and would benefit from extensive restoration. One door is detached. The piece and the specimens require a thorough clean. The interior has many cardboard containers some of which are now empty. Many specimens are mixed and incomplete.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
All her life the Duchesse de Berry had an insaturable passion for forming all sorts of collections. In Rosny she amassed a cabinet des curiosités with the help of the best museum specialists of her time. Amongst others it included a collection of 1400 taxidermies and 300 fossils.