Edwards and Roberts A large gilt-bronze mounted ebony, engraved brass and tortoiseshell Boulle style marquetry inlaid meuble à hauteur d'appui London, dated 1852

the central cupboard fitted with one shelf, the convex glazed side cabinet fitted with two shelves, upper edges of central door stamped EDWARDS & ROBERTS and with an engraved plaque inscribed EDWARDS & ROBERTS / LONDON / 1852 / 2 Wardoor street

Overall in good condition and presentation with the usual minor hairline scratches and minute nicks to veneers and carcass consistent with age and use. Tarnishing to gilt-bronze in places also consistent with age and atmospheric conditions through the years. Oxidation points to bare bronze, mostly around the bronze mount at the lower part of the cabinet: this is visible in the catalog illustration. Although one can notice few traces of gilt to the bronze we are now looking at the bare bronze only with very minor gilt left. The tortoiseshell and brass inlaid decoration is stable. The marble top has scratches consistent with placing objects, and a visible restored break to the proper left hand side canted corner of approximately 1 inch long and half an inch high.
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 firms of Edwards and Roberts, respectively, were among the foremost London firms of marchand-merciers. Acting as both a dealer and manufacturer during the second half of the nineteenth century, Edward & Roberts was founded in 1845 and rapidly expanded thereafter. By 1854 it 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 eighteenth and early nineteenth 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 neighborhood, continuing to trade until the end of the century.