A massive French silver-gilt Empire style inkstand, after the original designed by Prud'hon for Talleyrand, Odiot, Paris, late 19th / 20th century

rectangular, raised on six paw feet, flat-chased with anthemia foliage, sunbursts and a lyre, fitted with a pair of kneeling winged figures holding cornucpoia form wells, a pair of removable sphynx paperweights, a sander in the front with a drawer, the raised back with frieze of classical figures surmounted by a standing figure of Apollo

Royal Collection, Rome, "Contini-Buonaccorsi"

possibly lacking covers to inkwells, otherwise good 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.

The present lot is a copy of the famous Talleyrand inkstand made by Odiot in 1819 following the designs of Prud'hon, now in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Paris (Hotel du Quai d'Orsay).  A drawing of the flat-chasing by Fauconnier, head of the Odiot workshop remains in the Odiot collection and is reporduced in Jean-Marie Picon and Oliver Gaube du Gers, Odiot l'Orfèvre, p. 143