Josef Hoffmann

Private Collection, New York
Sotheby's New York, December 9, 2005, lot 149

Dorothee Müller, Klassiker des modernen Möbeldesign, Munich, 1980, p. 69 (for a similar example)
Ghenete Zelleke, Eva B. Otllinger and Nina Stritzler, Against the Grain: Bentwood Furniture from the Collection of Fren and Manfred Steinfeld, Chicago, 1993, p. 85

Overall in very good condition. The desk with some rubbing to top surface of the desk top and to the understructure consistent with age and use. The frame with minor surface abrasion, nicks and scratches consistent with use. The center drawer with some age expansion that limits the ease when one pulls out the drawer. The leather top and adjacent fabric edging is likely later and presents with minor traces of wear, surface scratches and minor surface staining, as seen in the catalogue illustration. The brass elements appear to have been sensitively cleaned. With original key. And elegant and functional design.
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.