A gilt-bronze mounted ebony, brass, pewter and red tortoiseshell Boulle marquetry encoignure probably German, second half 18th century, the marquetry Southern Germany or Austria, circa 1700

with two cupboard doors opening to an interior fitted with one shelf  

An attractive piece in need of some attention. Overall marks and scratches consistent with age, and some construction cracks. The very fine marquetry displays some losses and secure lifting, whilst retaining great part of its engraving. The gilt-bronzes with some tarnishing would benefit from a light clean.
"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."

Related literature:
R. Eikelmann, Prunkmöbel am Münchner Hof, Munich, 2011

The fine three-tone marquetry panels of the present piece present striking similarities to a bureau mazarin sold these Rooms, Treasures, 3 July 2013, lot 18, and attributed to Alexandre-Jean Oppenordt (note, in particular, the scrollwork and quatrelobed reserve on the top, imitating ironwork). A variation of the same design is furthermore found on a Boulle cabinet at Stratfield Saye, Hampshire, the ancestral home of the Duke of Wellington. However, it should also be noted that the employ of red tortoiseshell, pewter and brass inlays appears to be typical of Southern German and Austrian 'Boulle' marquetry dating from around 1700, such as found in the works of Johann Puchwiser. A nearly identical pattern is displayed on a table top with the portrait of Emperor Leopold I (circa 1705) in the Hofburg, Vienna (see Eikelmann, op. cit., p. 34). 

The pair to this rare encoignure was offered Lempertz Cologne, 13 November 2015, lot 1130.