A French gilt-bronze-mounted kingwood vitrine by Millet, Paris circa 1880

of serpentine form, the flat cresting above a pair of glazed doors enclosing glass shelves with serpentine glazed sides divided by gilt-bronze acanthus mounts on scrolled feet with foliate and rocaille mounts throughout, the right hand knee signed Millet à Paris; with two later glass shelves

Purchased by the present owner in these Rooms, 16th March 1990, lot 229.

In overall good conserved condition. Some screws are missing securing the gilt-bronze framing to the doors but the framing is secure. There is a miniscule bit of resoldering where there has been a casting crack in the gilt-bronze frame of the right door which is hardly noticeable. There is an old circular ink inscribed label to the reverse with the numbers 3322. There is only one later glass shelf and not two as stated in the catalogue.
"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 firm of Millet flourished from 1853 to 1918 producing meubles et bronzes d'art  genre ancien et moderne. They exhibited widely at the major exhibitions and won a medal in 1890. Their work covered a wide range of furniture encompassing during their long period of establishment, authorised copies of 18th century originals to fashionable reinterpretations of 18th century styles.