A German walnut and parquetry bureau cabinet attributed to Johann Philipp Raab (1736-1802), Mainz third quarter 18th century

the two doors opening to reveal a later fitted interior with four drawers and pigeon holes, the lower section with a fall-front opening to reveal a baise-lined interior and pull-out section with pigeon holes flanked by two short drawers; mounts regilt

The Property of a European Private collector

In overall good conserved condition. Colour slightly less orange and more natural and attractive than in the catalogue photograph.Some very minor hairline cracks and cracks generally commensurate with age. Old minor restorations to the veneer and generally. Hinges and lockplates changed. The veneer on the apron and feet is rather dry looking and would benefit from a repolish according to taste. The escutcheon on the fall-front is possibly a relacement and there is a minor break across the top of both escutcheons on the long drawers as visible from the catalogue photograph which can either be left or restored. It is possible that the small scrolled reserves on the front of the doors has had an armorial in the past and has been later reveneered.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
H. Kreisel, Die kunst des deutschen möbels,  Munich, 1968, plates 1030, 1031.
Horst Reber, Landesmuseum Mainz, Der Schreibschreibschrank des Peter Schuß von 1763, KulturStiftung der Länder Stiftung der Landessbank Rheinland-Pfalz, Mainz, 1992, p. 28, fig. 9 .

The monumental and architectural form of this piece with its pierced scroll mouldings and swelling bombé structure are typical of pieces known as Cantourgen, being produced in Mainz in the second half of the 18th century. The quality of execution of the offered piece and other related examples would indicate that they are Meisterstuck or a Masterpiece and this bureau cabinet bears close similarities to designs by and pieces being produced by Johann Philipp Raab in Mainz around 1765. See for example, Reber op. cit., plate 28, fig. 9,  for a design by Raab for a bureau cabinet  which was his Masterpiece, now in the Landesmuseum, (see post),  conceived in a similar vein to the present example, reproduced here in fig.1.

Kreisel op. cit., illustrates in plate 1031, Raab's Masterpiece, a  bureau cabinet dated 1764, now in the Badisches Landesmuseum, Karlsruhe, reproduced here in fig. 2.  Kreisel also illustrates another related bureau cabinet in the Reiss-Museum, Mannheim, circa 1760/65, in plate 1030, though not attributed to Raab, reproduced here in fig. 3. 

A related bureau cabinet also attributed to Raab, was sold in these Rooms, 4th July 1974, lot 80 and then on 26th May 1989, lot 131 (£170,000). Another related example was sold Christie's, Amsterdam, 23rd March 2005, lot 660.