A gilt-bronze-mounted tortoiseshell and brass inlaid première-partie boulle marquetry ebony and ebonised bureau plat stamped Gros Paris Napoleon III, circa 1855-60

in the manner of André-Charles Boulle, with a serpentine gilt-bronze-banded leather inset top above three frieze drawers, the central drawer with a female mask on cabriole legs with gilt-bronze female term knee mounts, the sides centred by a bacchic female mask, the whole inlaid with scrolling foliage on a tortoiseshell ground terminating in gilt-bronze scrolled feet

The gilding on the mounts is worn in places and will need attention and they are also dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste.Attractive detail to the casting of the mounts. There have been some old minor restorations to the boulle marquetry and some retouching where there has been losses to the inlay which would benefit from further attention. Old very minor marks chips and scratches commensurate with age and normal usage. narrow strip of wood added to the inside of the base of the central drawer. In need of some attention but once restored this desk will look most impressive.
"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."

Jean-Louis-Benjamin Gros was recorded as an ébéniste and marqueteur at 27 rue des Blancs-Manteaux until 1850 and then at 43 rue des Tournelles until 1863. He was associated with the Winckelsen firm acting as its main cabinet-maker. Jean-Louis-Benjamin's son Aristide-Henry took over the business following his retirement. Both father and son exhibited at the major 19th century Exposition Universelle and won an honourable citation in 1855. The firm was commissioned amongst others by the duc d'Aumaleat Chantilly. They specialised in Boulle  marquetry pieces and stamped their pieces `Gros, Paris'.