Carlo Bugatti

North American Private Collection
Sotheby's, December 4, 1998, lot 519
Acquired from the above by the present owner

The Exotic and the Theatrical: Turn of the Century Furniture by Carlo Bugatti, Montreal Museum of Decorative Arts, October 18, 1995-January 7, 1996
Carlo Bugatti, A World of Imagination, Instituto Italiano di Cultura, Toronto, Febrary 9-May 27, 1995, cat. no. 3

De Vecchi Catalogue, circa 1904-1905, no. 377

Overall fair condition commensurate with age and use. The top surface and surrounding edge with minor scattered nicks, indentations and abrasions to the wood, pewter, and brass inlay. Minor seam separation to the joins in each corner evident. One join possessing a more significant seam separation, approximately 3/8” at its widest point. The seam possesses and older repair with wax infill. The pewter inlay overlapping this joint has been repaired and possibly replaced. The vellum in the centre has been replaced, and a top later added and set within frame top. Movement has occurred at some point, so the glass insert does not sit completely flush with its edges. Many of the wooden supporting elements directly below the top surface have been re-glued at some point as the adhesive is visible at the seams, with bubbling to the varnish throughout, with three of these elements missing in one section, two of which are visible in the printed and online catalogues. The bone elements with minor scattered nicks throughout and are concentrated to the edges, with two bone elements missing. A hairline crack to two of the cutouts between the supports, the longest approximately 7/8” running horizontally. Four sections to the circular cutout details below the top surface have been replaced and possess older repairs. The vellum throughout the lower sections of the table have scattered staining, marks and discolouration as partially visible on the printed and online catalogues. Approximately eight of the inlaid stars have been replaced and do not have pewter inlay, with losses and hairline cracks to both the pewter and wood detailing throughout the semi circular forms, as visible to one section on the printed and online catalogues.. Minor scattered oxidation throughout the copper elements. There is evidence of past woodworm throughout. The table retains a firm structure, and with sympathetic restoration the overall appearance could be improved.
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.