A Royal German Neoclassical ormolu surtout de table circa 1820, signed C. Münch in Stuttgart

Texas Private Collection

Gilt bronze in good condition with some light rubbing and minor surface scratches, spots of oxidation throughout. Mirror plates replaced. One basket to side is loose at one side, recommend securing.
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.

Casimir Münch held the position of Hofziseleur (court ormolu chaser) at the Court of Stuttgart, the capital of the Kingdom of Württemberg, Germany. Active circa 1810-1820, he worked closely with Johannes Klinckerfuss, the Kabinettebenist, as on a table sold Sotheby's New York, November 18, 2010, lot 160. A jardinière by these two makers and signed by Münch was sold Christie's Amsterdam, December 10, 2003, lot 401. The ruler of Württemberg at that date was King Wilhelm I (reigned 1816-1864). It must be presumed that most of Münch's work, as Hofziseleur, was for the Royal family. Another surtout de table by Munch commissioned by Wilhelm I was sold Sotheby's London, January 23, 2014, lots 158-162. Interestingly, the elements of the garniture which were placed upon the surtout were signed Thomire à Paris. The infant Bacchus with trails of vine leaves decorating the rim of the surtout in this lot is also found on a surtout from the collection of Lucien Bonaparte now in the Musée Marmottan Paris and a set of three surtout with matching ribbon tied flower-filled sides illustrated Hans Ottomeyer et al., Vergoldete Bronzen, vol. 1, Munich, 1986, pp. 382 and 386 respectively. These surtouts were signed Thomire à Paris.