SPANISH COLONIAL, PROBABLY PERU, LATE 17TH CENTURY | Large Chest

Private collection, Austria

Overall, the condition of the chest is good, with some dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is a small loss to a part of the locking mechanism, which has been replaced with string. The leather has slightly dried, and consequently there is some creasing and some buckling to the leather, consistent with usage, in particular to the lobes of the lid at the front and to the sides. There are minor losses to the edges of the leather at these lobes. The chest is composed of sections, and some slightly open but stable joints are visible, in particular to the right corner at the back and to the bottom on the left side. There is some stable splitting to the wood core, including to the bottom of the lid at the centre and to the back of the chest. There are a few holes to the bottom and the sides of the chest. There is minor evidence of past worming to the wood, in particular to the core of the lid.
"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."