Carlo Bugatti

Overall condition consistent with age and use. When viewed in person, the gates present with rich figuring and a slightly redder hue than seen in the catalogue illustration. The wood surfaces have been revarnished at some point in the history of the pieces and some of the varnish is irregular. The surfaces with surface scratches, minor abrasions, scattered discolorations and surface soiling throughout consistent with age and use. The panels with several areas of stabilizations and restorations throughout, and with several vertical craquelures, visible in the catalogue illustration, which have been restored and are all seemingly stable. The proper left gate with a loss to the veneer to the interior end of the circular opening, measuring approximately 1/2 inches in depth, along the length and visible in the catalogue illustration. The interior edge of the opening with a few losses to the wood forming the stars, only visible when looking at them from the interior. The lower edge of the proper left gate with surface scratches along the top of the feet and a few losses to the veneer, visible to the catalogue illustration. The lower edge of the proper right gate with losses to the veneer, partially visible in the catalogue illustration. The metal surfaces with a few surface scratches consistent with age and gentle use. The pewter and bone inlays have been slightly yellowed by the varnish covering the gates. The decoration with a few losses to the inlays, not visually distracting. The pewter and copper with a few small and isolated areas of lifting. The reverse is not finished and partially veneered, with losses to the veneer. Please contact the 20th Century Design department for photos showing the reverse of the panels. Overall a very impressive pair of gates, which would benefit from a sensitive restoration.
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.