A fine gilt-bronze mounted mahogany and ebony commode à l' anglaise Paris, circa 1875, after the model by Guillaume Benneman

the top surmounted by its original thick molded white veined Carrara marble top above three frieze drawers, the central cupboard door opening to three birds-eye mahogany faceted long drawers with pull out handles, the back of the carcass with inventory number B 513-19, the marble top similarly numbered to the underside, all locks supplied by SOUCHET A PARIS. 

C. Payne, François Linke, p. 200, pl. 216, for a Linke black and white cliché of the original commode by Guillaume Benneman at the Louvre.

D. Ledoux-Lebard, Le Mobilier Français du XIX Siècle, pp. 146-151

C. Payne, 19th Century European Furniture, p. 35

P. Verlet, Le Mobilier Royal Français, Vol. I, p. 244, plate XX, fig. 15.; and P. Kjellberg, Le Mobilier Français du XVIIIe Siècle, 2002, p. 54-65, p. 62, for illustrations of the 18th century model by Benneman.

The marble top with chips and scratches to all edges and scratches to the surface. Traces of restoration to top of front door. The central frieze drawer does not open as it is blocked from carcass shrinkage. Both middle shelves lack their front bronze cast gallery. All marble shelves on each side are later replacements, one made of alabaster. The gilt-bronze mounts are dirty and tarnished in places. The four gilt-bronze mounts heading each toupie foot show one crack and are bent. On each corner of the four corner edges there is an additional gilt-bronze vertical foliate cast mount (not consistent with the 18th century design).
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.

Although apparently unsigned, this commode is a very fine quality example of the original commode bearing the initials of Marie-Antoinette and based on a model conceived under the direction of Jean Hauré, Entrepreneur des Meubles de la Couronne and probably executed by Guillaume Stoeckel in 1786. It was bought by the crown from the marchand-mercier Philippe-Ambroise Sauvage for the Salon des Jeux de la Reine at Compiègne that same year. It was subsequently enlarged and reveneered by Benneman and transfered to the Chambre de la Reine at Saint-Cloud, its present whereabouts unknown. Benneman made two copies in 1787 to replace the one formerly at Compiègne; the bronzes and gilding were produced by Galle, the bronze chasing executed by Tournay. The pair is still preserved at Compiègne.

A similar commode sold Sotheby's New York, April 19, 2007, lot 148 for $102,000.