A Vienna inkstand mid 19th century

modelled as a tray of fruit and nuts with an apple-form box and cover, a peach-form box and cover fitted with an ink pot and a pear-form box and cover fitted with a pounce pot, impressed shield mark and numerals 856 and 33, blue painted numeral 15. 6 pieces.

D. M. & P. Manheim Antiques, New York

The stems of small fruits and the tip of one leaf on the tray have been chipped away; a fruit that had been resting near the two cherries or perhaps a portion of the cherries' stems at one end appear to have been broken away. The stem of the pear is restored and there are two minor chips to the leaves of the peach's stem. There is a long haircrack extending from a point on the rim near the stem end of the bunch of grapes, extending into the base near the pear and ending in the cavetto beneath the handle - this is visible on the underside but only for about an inch on the upper rim near the grapes; there is a second short haircrack to the rim at the handle near the pear.
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.