Lot 307
  • 307

A LOUIS XV STYLE GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED MAHOGANY, BOIS SATINÉ, KINGWOOD AND MARQUETRY BUREAU PLAT BY GERVAIS DURAND LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY |

Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 GBP
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Description

  • 77cm. high, 175.5cm. wide, 87cm. deep; 2ft. 6¼in., 5ft. 9in., 2ft. 10¼in.
in the manner of BVRB, with a leather inset top between quartered panels of foliate marquetry, stamped five times to the underside 'G. DURAND,' with a engraved brass plate engraved 'G. EBENISTE / PARIS'

Condition

This is superb quality. The top with scratches and losses to polish and veneers. Some minor fading as to be expected. The mounts are very good indeed although one drawer mount will need to e secure as it is lifting away from the drawer. The underside with a glued fitting for a plug. Cleaned up it will look excellent. The piece exudes quality. The brass plaque enraved Durand is detached and we are not sure where its original location was. Photographed in the Drawing Room at Croft House circa 1926. A corner of this desk appears in a study of the Drawing Room, Croft House by Francis Cadell (1883-1937) from 1934. See The Harrison Collection, these rooms, 12 June 2018, lot 112.
"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."

Catalogue Note

This bureau plat, which is of the very best quality, is a testament to the output of Maison Durand and its founder Gervais-Maximilien-Eugéne Durand (born in 1839). He established his successful firm in 1870 at 12 rue de La Cerisaie later moving to the more fashionable rue St. Antoine where most of the prestigious cabinetmakers of the time had their workshops. Gervais was the first of three successful generations. Durand produced almost exclusively superb copies of 18th century furniture of which this is undoubtedly an example.