A pair of Louis XIV style gilt-bronze mounted, brass, ebony and tortoiseshell marquetry commodes en tambour, after a model by A.-C. Boulle, circa 1870
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Property of a Private Collector
A pair of Louis XIV style gilt-bronze mounted, brass, ebony and tortoiseshell marquetry commodes en tambour, after a model by A.-C. Boulle, circa 1870
the French Campan rubané marble top with a moulded border, above three long drawers with moulded gilt-bronze frame, decorated with première-partie marquetry foliate scrolls and flowers in gilt-brass on a tortoiseshell veneered ground, each rounded side adorned with foliate marquetry, with a detached tapered upright leg with a volute scroll and acanthus leaves to the top and terminating in a gilt-bronze spiral toupie foot, the whole with rich gilt-bronze ornament, raised on six feet
each 85cm. high, 130cm. wide, 57.5cm. deep; 2ft. 9½in., 4ft. 3⅛in., 1ft. 10⅝in.
These exceptional commodes are in overall very good condition and generally with very minor old marks and scratches consistent with age and use.
The marble tops are in very good condition, with only minor scratches, chipping to edges and some minor corresponding refilling, all consistent with age and use.
Some chipping to the veneers on the edges of the drawers, and some corresponding re-veneering. Minor veneer loss to the back left corner of one, at the bottom. Some areas of wear to veneer where the centre of the handle rests and falls back on the veneer.
The gilt-bronze mounts in very good condition. The upper drawer gilt-bronze border/moulding on each commode probably set upside-down and would benefit visually from resetting.
One drawer in one commode, and two drawers on the other commode are presently locked.
Minor lifting to some brass inlays and veneers on the sides due to the construction of the commodes and the curves. Minor lifting to a brass inlay on the lower border of the bottom drawer of one commode – this should be visible in the catalogue image and would benefit from further securing.
"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."
Acquired from the above by the present owner in 1993.