A GILT BRONZE MOUNTED MAHOGANY, SATINWOOD AND ROSEWOOD BUREAU PLAT IN THE MANNER OF DONALD ROSS England, circa 1900s

Overall in good condition. With a fitted glass top. The bronze mounts with minor scratches, nicks and wear consistent with age. The veneers with scratches and indentations consistent with age and use. The satinwood-veneered blocks at the top of the gilt bronze mounted legs with some edge losses. Drawer keys lacking. The interior of one drawer dated 'Jan 1907' in graphite.
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 London firm of Donald Ross had premises at 13 Denmark Square, Soho during the third quarter of the 19th century. Ross appears to have made a speciality of the 'dotted marquetry trellis' popularised by Garnier and Sené in 18th century Paris. The firm exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London. Although apparently unsigned, this model has been reproduced as tables de milieus, table ambulantes and sècretaires by the firm of Edwards and Roberts who were among the foremost English cabinet makers and importers of fine furniture of the second half of the 19th century. Founded in 1845, the firm rapidly expanded and by 1854 was trading as "Edwards and Roberts, 21 Wardour Street, Antique and Modern Cabinet Makers and Importers of Ancient Furniture". The firm produced furniture of modern design, as well as copies of 18th and early 19th century French and English pieces, also restoring and dealing in genuine examples of this kind. By 1892, Edwards and Roberts had taken additional premises in more than a dozen buildings in Wardour Street and the surrounding neighbourhood, continuing to trade until the end of the century.