Mathieu Béfort dit Béfort Jeune b. 1813 A PAIR OF GILT BRONZE MOUNTED EBONY AND ENGRAVED BRASS BOULLE STYLE MARQUETRY MEUBLE À HAUTEUR D'APPUI, REPRESENTATIVE OF THE FOUR SEASONS Paris, circa 1875

the sides of each cabinet centered with a mask of Hercules, the chutes with a bust of Bacchus, one cabinet fronted with the figures of Ceres and Saturn, representing summer and winter, its pair with Flora and Bacchus, representing spring and autumn, both cabinets surmounted by a later white marble top, the vantaux opening to an oak interior with three burgundy velvet covered shelves, one egg and dart bronze moulding has been removed to reveal the mark BJ and a metalwork serial number.

Please note that 2 BEFORT JEUNE stamps to each cabinet have been discovered since cataloguing. Each stamped to the bottom canted corners of each cabinet. Overall in good condition and presentation, with the usual tarnishing to gilt bronze. White marble slabs are later. Overall with the usual minor nicks, dents and chips consistent with age and use. There are few liftings to brass banding inlay in places. One cabinet with a break to its carcass top beneath the marble. Please note that after careful inspection by our material culture specialist, it has been determined that this lot does not contain tortoiseshell. The faux-tortoiseshell material inlaid to the doors of each cabinet is likely later a replacement and has not yet been identified.
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.