FRENCH SCHOOL | Pair of cabinets

shagreen, maïdou, sipo, oak, chromium-plated metal and mirrored glass

Sotheby's, London, October 31, 1997, lot 1260 (incorrectly attributed to Adolphe Chanaux)
Private collection, Germany

Good overall condition. -The shagreen presents with a few cracks inherent to the aging process of this material and a few rare instances of uplifting along the seams. Some of these cracks and upliftings might have been previously stabilized and the glue used to so has turned slightly yellow overtime. There is a small circular lack of shagreen on the front door, on one of the lower shagreen elements, of approximately 1 cm of diameter, visible on the catalogue illustration (on the cabinet is picture on the left). A few tiny small missing nodules of shagreen scattered. The upper element of the cabinets present with some seam separations. - The wooden alcoves on the upper part are in good overall condition with some light surface scratches, a few tiny dents, some very light instances of discolouration and a few small traces of previous restorations all consistent with age and use. - The metal handles presents with some light oxidation throughout. - This lot is sold with two keys. Each cabinet opens on a different setting. One opens on two shelves and four drawers. The keys to the drawers are missing and three out of the four drawers are open. The other cabinet opens on two shelves and a door opening on a mirrored glass alcove. The lock of this cabinet presents with three missing screws and is partially unfixed to the door. There are a few instances of oxidation to the silvering on the mirrored glass element. -The wooden shelves of both cabinets present with some scratches, stains, scuffs and marks, all consistent with age and use. - Both cabinets present with later "CP" stamps.
"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."