North German, probably Danzig, first quarter 18th century

The amber is distressed in several locations. There are losses to the panels particularly to the right front corner and front and back edges on the top. One orb finial is lost. The rear right leg is loose and only half of it is preserved. Furhter loose sections of amber and foil are preserved in the drawers. Several panels have been reattached. Some further sections have been replaced. There are some composite restorations, including to the top left corners. There are some remnants of polish in the mounts. The wood carcass is painted red and is in 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The wood carcass is veneered with opaque and translucent amber panels. The latter are engraved with landscapes over a gold foil ground. A similarly panelled small casket was sold in these rooms as part of the Luigi Koelliker collection on 3 December 2008 (lot 55). A further casket of this type is in the Schell collection (op.cit.).

RELATED LITERATURE
M.Pall, Locked Treasures from the Hans Schell Collection, Graz, 2006, no. 52.; G. Laue (ed.), Bernstein. Kostbarkeiten europäischer Kunstkammer, cat. Kunsthandlung Georg Laue, Munich, 2006, pp. 202-3, nos. 30 and 32, fig. 62