Josef Urban

Yves Macaux, Brussels, 2005

Overall in very good condition. The leather of this seat of chairs with a wonderful patination throughout, as seen in the catalogue illustration. The frames with minor edge abrasion, surface scratches, minor discolorations and nicks consistent with use. One of the chairs with a minor restoration to the upper edge of proper left backrest measuring 1 ½ inches in length. Two additional chairs with minor sensitive restorations to the proper left upper edge of the backrest. The leather of the chairs each with surface scratches, abrasions, edge nicks, crazing and discoloration. Each of the chairs with evidence of minor sensitive restoration. Each of the chairs with abrasions and minor edge losses along the front edge of the seat consistent with use. One of the chairs with restoration to the proper right that extends 14 ½ inches on the seat back and six on the seat with a maximum width of 3 ¾ inches. This restoration has been sensitively undertaken and the chair leather remains stable and able to be used. Another chair with a 3 ½ inch long restoration along the brass tacks to the proper right side. Another chair with two adjacent areas of restoration to the seat back on the upper corner of the proper left side. Another of the chairs with restoration to the proper right of the lower portion of the seatback that extends 4 ½ inches with a maximum width of 2 ¼ inches. This restoration has been sensitively undertaken and the chair leather remains stable and able to be used. This chair with a horizontal abrasion adjacent to the restoration. Another chair with two restorations, one at the junction of the seat and seatback and the other at the midpoint of the seatback that appears slightly darker in hue. The backs of the chairs with a leather panel which show surface scratches, abrasions and variations in color and minor fading consistent with age. One chair with losses to the finish throughout that reveal the natural leather color beneath. The underseats have been reinforced at some point in the chairs' history. One of the reinforcement is slightly loose. The brass sabot with minor surface scratches, discoloration and oxidation consistent with the natural aging process of the material. The brass tacks appear original throughout and present with minor rubbing to finish. The chair with the largest restoration to the leather lacking two tacks above the restoration and one missing tack on the opposite side. Some of the tacks have been re-positioned as a result of the restorations. This large set of chairs has been sensitively restored by keeping the integrity of the materials and is therefore a beautiful design in usable condition, rare to appear at auction.
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.