Thomas Molesworth

Commissioned by Jim Minter, Cody, Wyoming, circa 1945

The desk and filing cabinet both in very good, age appropriate condition. The wood surfaces overall with scattered scuffs, scratches, nicks, dents, abrasions, and minor areas of rubbing and discoloration, all consistent with age and gentle use. There are natural knots, irregularities, and separations in the wood grain, typical for Inland fir, which have been reinforced with wood infill in areas by Molesworth at the time of production. The leather is original for both pieces and presents with a more muted cream tone than as visible in the catalogue illustration; its surfaces with scattered surface scratches, nicks, dents, and instances of rubbing and discoloration, all consistent with age and gentle use. The desk fitted with one central drawer, seven side drawers, and two pullout shelves. The pullout shelves and the insides of the drawers with some minor fading and discoloration, scattered pen and pencil marks, and a few instances of staining, the largest located inside the top proper right drawer measuring approximately 6 ½ x 2 ¾ in., none of which are visible when the elements are stored. The proper middle-left side of the desktop surface with a somewhat more prominent area of discoloration measuring approximately 2 x 3 ½ in. The brass tacks with some minor surface scratches and areas of rubbing, not visually distracting and consistent with age and gentle use. The desk is finished on the back with a beautiful, all-encompassing half-pole detailing. The cabinet with three slightly deeper nicks to the front proper left bottom edge, the largest measuring approximately ¼ x ½ in. The proper left wall also with three minor isolated instances of white paint residue, the largest measuring approximately ¼ x ¼ in. The leather to the front of the cabinet with some scattered residual spotting which could be cleaned, and the bottom left corner of the proper right side of the cabinet with two more prominent scratches to the leather, the longer measuring approximately 6 1/8 in. The cabinet fitted with four rolling drawers; the top drawer with the original paper instructional label and partial original paper Globe Wernicke Co. label to the interior. The interior of the drawers with some fading and discoloration, scattered pen and pencil marks, and a few instances of staining. The bottom drawer is slightly difficult to slide open and shut, likely due to the expansion and shrinkage of wood over time. The top drawer with a screw missing to the bottom proper right corner of the label holder. The rear of the cabinet with some deeper scattered scratches, abrasions, and separations, as well as two surface losses to the wood to the bottom edge, the larger measuring approximately 6 3/8 x 2 in., none of which is visible when the cabinet is mounted against a wall. An exceptionally rare pairing, there are currently no other known examples of decorated filing cabinets. With Molesworth's creative and innovative use of wood, leather and brass, the pairing is a rare and interesting unit.
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.