A FINE REGENCY LACQUERED GILT-BRONZE AND PART-EBONIZED ROSEWOOD INKSTAND ATTRIBUTED TO BENJAMIN LEWIS VULLIAMY circa 1810

Overall good restored condition; the gilt-metal ink pots possibly re-gilt or over-cleaned and with areas of pitting and losses to the gilding; the lion-head mask to the drawer possibly added. Back left corner of case with some small losses to the veneers; small loss to veneer of front right corner of case; two small age cracks to the back right corner of the top; overall with some old marks and scratches.
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.

'A very Magnificent Large Inkstand composed of 5 Bronze Vases one Large Vase in the center for Wafers & 4 Smaller ones with Rams heads for handles for Ink Sand Sponge &c' was bought by the Prince of Wales, later George IV, on April 25, 1810 from Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy.  The 'Large Vase' and 'Smaller ones with Rams heads' appear to be identical to those of the present inkstand; see G. de Bellaigue, 'The Vulliamys and France', The Journal of the Furniture Society, 1967, vol. III, pp. 45-54, pl. 12A.