A Louis XVI ormolu-mounted mahogany and ebonized secrétaire à abattant circa 1780

the top with molded part-ebonized pediment supported by four fluted pilasters decorated with ormolu olive branches at top and bottom, the rounded and mirrored sides with nine quarter-circle-shaped shelves, the ormolu-mounted fall front inlaid with tooled and parcel-gilt leather writing surface on reverse opening to an interior fitted with three drawers, the ormolu-mounted bottom door opening to an interior fitted with two shelves. On later base. 

Couturier de Nicolay, Paris, 1986

With scattered age and construction cracks to mahogany, most visible on fall front and lower door, the largest, thick hairline, crack on fall frount measuring approx. 7 inches in lenght. Minor age cracks to ebonized areas, most extensive to edges of shelf above fallfront and side shelves. Minor scattered dents and chips to wood in a few areas, most to edges and to ebonized areas. Scattered areas of restorations and infill; most to underside of shelves. Refinished. Leather inlay replaced. Mirror plates with some foxing; not extensive. Bottom plate on left side with minor chips, the one above with approx. 4 in. crack and chip to reverse. Ormolu mounts with minor traces of oxidation, some rubbing and surface dirt. In good, restored condition overall.
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.