A German or French turned ivory 'Tour de Force' 18th century and later

the base comprised of six hexagonally divided radiating lobes each rising to a finial within a spiral, alternating urn and star forms, surrounding a central cylinder comprised of a staggered stack of horizontal discs, a baluster rising above to open with a cup enclosing an urn, rising to a baluster stem supporting a stepped cylinder within a pierced sphere surmounted by a small urn-form finial.

Sotheby's Monaco, November 30, 1986, lot 917

Please note the bold heading for this lot should read "A German or French turned ivory 'tour de force,' 19th century." The base with small losses to underside. Small losses and chipping. Three of the star finials with restorations, possibly later. The stem and upper section with age cracks. Age cracks on internal baluster-form. Hairline crack to exterior sphere, internal element, and to top finial. Loss to tip of finial. General small losses, surface abrasions, and chips throughout.
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.

For a discussion of the hollow contrefait sphere see catalogue note to lot 768.