Paul Frankl

Wright Auctions, Chicago, October 10, 2006, lot 118
Private Collection of Mark McDonald

Overall good original condition. The silvered exterior with some surface scratches, abraded areas and rubbing. This is all seen in the catalogue illustration and is consistent with age and use. The losses to the silvered surface are concentrated to the edges, and most prevalent to the lower edge of the door. The front panel as seen in the catalogue illustration opens by first lifting the top. There is vertical pin inset in the top of the door, which holds the door in place once the top is closed. Currently there is some cracking and separation of the adjacent wood to the pin, because the piece has been opened improperly (the door being pulled open without first lifting the top). We would recommend that this area is stabilized by a professional restorer before the wood frame adjacent to the pin is lost. The top glass surface has possibly been replaced at some point in the piece’s history. With shallow surface scratches from use. The interior, which is shown in an photo on sothebys.com, is a mint green tone. With minor surface dirt, chips and losses to the paint, and some areas of light discoloration. This is a wonderful small scale example of the intricate details and modern materials used by Frankl in his “Skyscraper” series.
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.