A. Leclaire Active 2nd Half 19th Century A FINE NAPOLEON III GILT BRONZE MOUNTED SYCAMORE, AMARANTH, MAHOGANY AND SÈVRES STYLE PORCELAIN SECRÉTAIRE À ABATTANT AFTER THE MODEL IN THE WALLACE COLLECTION (NO. F 305) Paris, circa 1860s

in the Louis XVI style, surmounted by an inset brocatelle violette d'Espagne marble top, above a drawer, the fall front opening to a gilt-tooled green leather writing surface centered with the royal Bourbon seal, the cabinet set with an elaborate stained fruitwood capriccio marquetry flanked by an arrangement of four solid mahogany drawers with female mask pulls and above a long drawer with a gilt bronze and brass inkwell and sand shaker, the stand fitted with a frieze drawer on fluted and reeded legs joined by a galleried shelf, all sides and the front with fleur de lys trellis marquetry panels, the carcass stamped A. LECLAIRE/PARIS twice.  The cabinet bearing the stamp M. CARLIN, JMV and two oval branded seals with three fleur de lys above a crown.

Peter Hughes, The Wallace Collection:  Catalogue of Furniture, London, 1996, pl. 90, for the original model by A. Schumann

Overall in good and fair condition with the usual minor scratches, dents and nicks to veneers and carcass consistent with age and use. Tarnishing, dirt and wear to gilt bronze in places. The marble with the usual minor chips to edges, scratches to surface consistent with age and use. Two small visible diagonal hairline cracks to the sides, and four horizontal cracks to the leather top lining of the surface. There is an original key for this lot, and on each corner of the central plaque one can see four vertical hairline cracks.
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.