KEM Weber

together with a matching smaller shelving unit

Bixby Residence, Kansas City, Missouri, circa 1936-1937
Lillian Nassau, Ltd., New York, acquired circa 1980
Sotheby's New York, June 17, 2004, lot 67
Acquired from the above the present owner

American Art Deco, Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., April 17-July 26, 1987, Center for the Fine Arts, Miami, FL, September 12-November 1, 1987, Jocelyn Art Museum, Omaha, NE, November 28, 1987-January 17, 1988, The Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa, OK, February 7-March 27, 1988, Minnesota Museum of American Art, St. Paul, MN, April 23-10 July 1988

"Curves for Contrast,'' House and Garden, June 1938, p. 49 (for a period photograph showing the desk in situ in the Bixby Residence)
Kurt Helfrich, Designing the Moderne: Kem Weber's Bixby House, exh. cat., Santa Barbara, 2001, n. p. (for a period photograph showing the desk and smaller shelving unit in situ in the Bixby Residence, 1937)

Overall very good condition commensurate with age and use. The lacquered surfaces with minor fine surface abrasions throughout. One small circular area of lacquer has been repaired, approximately 1/4 inch in diameter and located and in front of the vellum blotter. This repair in our opinion is not visually distracting. A few minor chips to the ebonised trim on the shelving, the largest of which is approximately 1/4 inch in diameter and located on the lowest shelf attached to the desk, outer edge, near one of the brass column supports. The vellum with minor age related marks and discolouration consistent with regular use. The sycamore presents minor age related cracqulere to both the wood and its varnish. A minor area of repair to the left side proper panel, approximately 1/2 inch in diameter, with minor chips to one corner, and a further chip to the veneer on the adjacent panel, running vertically and approximately 1 inch in length. A minor chip to the veneer on the attached shelving surrounding the brass columns. The opaline glass on the attached shelving with minor age related chips to the exterior edges, the largest to the underside of the glass nearest the desk drawer, approximately 1 1/2 inches in length. Minor surface abrasions throughout this piece of glass. The other two opaline glass elements on the right hand proper cabinet and auxiliary shelving unit are possibly later replacements. The frosted glass dividers with very minor age related scuffs. The brass elements with minor scattered oxidation throughout, with minor flaking present to the columns. The hinge to the cabinet door is a later replacement. The interior of the painted drawers with minor marks, with two of the hardware mounting points enlarged and the mounting screws recessed slightly. One of the black discs to the underside of the legs is missing as visible in the printed and online catalogues. The desk and it's separate shelving are structurally sound. Overall a very fine example of modernist American Design which has been very well looked after.
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.