Régulateur serre-papiers en placage bois de rose et bois de violette à monture de bronze doré d'époque Louis XV, estampillé B. DURAND

la façade ouvrant à deux vantaux reposant sur une plinthe et surmontée d'une corniche en doucine, sommée d'une caisse chantournée dans laquelle est inscrit un cadran signé Lepaute /H^GER DU ROI ; riche ornementation de bronze doré ; (le régulateur et les pieds probablement associés au XVIIIe siècle)

Illustration is accurate. As visible on the illustration, there are some liftings and losses to the veneer which has to be restored throughout. There is a shrinkage crack on each door. As stated in the catalogue description, the clock and the feet have been added a little bit later, around 10 years later. The mounts of the armoire are exceptional and make think of BVRB. The mechanism : Dial has chips and old repairs to both winding holes, other marks and scratches, good original hands. Movement has weight-driven going train with Graham-type dead beat escapement. Bell striking train has spring barrel and large count wheel mounted on the backplate. It is complete but extremely dirty and not running. It will require full service and overhaul. Weights and one winder but no pendulum.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. 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. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.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."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Un meuble identique, également estampillé de Bon Durand, se trouve dans les collections James A. de Rothschild à Waddesdon Manor (cf. G. de Bellaigue, The James A. de Rothschild collection at Waddesdon Manor, Fribourg, 1974, t.I, n°39, pp. 186-189). Seul le vase sommant le cadran diffère du nôtre et le meuble repose directement sur la plinthe. G. de Bellaigue cite le meuble présenté ici à titre de comparable.
Son ornementation de bronze doré, d'une grande orginalité, n'est pas sans évoquer l'oeuvre de BVRB II.