Félix-Alfred Ternisien et Dantant A fine Napoléon III Empire style gilt bronze mounted mahogany bibliothèque France, circa 1875

the central section set with two pairs of bronze doors fitted with trellis-wire above a pair of doors opening to one shelf, the book shelving unit flanked to its proper right side by a glazed cabinet encasing a barometer signed LEREBOURS ET SECRETAN / PARIS and a thermometer signed J. MOLTENI & C^IE / A PARIS, and to its left side by a similarly glazed cabinet encasing a clock and pendulum, the carcass signed twice with the branded stamp Ternisien & Dantant / Paris

Overall in good condition with gilt-bronze mounts retaining most of their gilding and with usual light scratches, minor dents, and small areas of inpainting to mahogany mostly to edges and corners. Far right side door of upper section is misaligned so that the top of the door projects out slightly even when locked; small chip to left side edge of upper portion; door knob to lower right is loose and needs to be tightened; as per New York state law elements containing mercury cannot be sold; consequently, the glass container to the thermometer in Farenheit and the larger thermometer situated beneath the circular barometer has been discarded; very minor chips and light scratches to marble.
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.

Felix-Alfred Ternisien was born in Paris on June 28, 1817 and was most probably the son of the cabinet maker Jean-Joseph Ternisien. In 1860 his firm was recorded at 42, rue Fontaine-au-Roi and then from 1870 onward at 234, rue Saint-Honoré. Cabinet maker but also decorator, he was commisioned by the emperor Napoleon III to provide the furnishing of the imperial train in 1856 following drawings by Viollet le Duc. In 1874, the comte de Paris commisioned the restoration of the château d'Eu to Viollet le Duc and the renowned architect subsequently asked Ternisien to execute the furnishings following his drawings. The furnishings can still be viewed in the museum Louis-Phillipe at the château d'Eu.