- 77
French, 16th century
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Large comb decorated with tracery, a fantastical beast and the arms of the French Royal family
- boxwood
- French, 16th century
with two slides formerly concealing mirrors, numbered: S1200 in black ink and with a fragmentary label inscribed: No 49.
Provenance
Mr. Lubinal;
Thomas F. Flannery Jr., Chicago, before 1983;
his sale, Sotheby's London, 1 December 1983, lot 93;
private collection, United States
Thomas F. Flannery Jr., Chicago, before 1983;
his sale, Sotheby's London, 1 December 1983, lot 93;
private collection, United States
Exhibited
Katonah Museum of Art, Medieval Monsters Dragons and Fantastic Creatures, 1995, no. 51
Condition
Overall the condition of the wood is good with wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age and handling including some dust in the crevices. There is some white pigment under the right slide. A section in the lower left corner was replaced and a small area on the right edge above the slide was recarved. There are some minor chips including to the corners, two of the large teeth and two of the small teeth, some parts of the tracery, and the inside of one of the slides. The two mirrors underneath the slides were lost.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This type of elaborately pierced boxwood comb seems to have been a fashionable accessory for women around 1500. The Victoria and Albert Museum has eight comparable examples, of which no. CIRC.478-1923 relates most closely because of its drawers. None of the museum's combs are as large as the present example.