An Italian arte povera and ivory painted fall-front bureau second half 18th century

decorated with Italianate landscapes and hunting scenes, the fall-front opening to reveal an interior with four short drawers flanking a pigeon hole around an embossed leather inset surface 

Sotheby's London, 8th July, 2008, lot 165

Old marks, chips and scratches commensurate with age as visible from photograph. Some retouching to the painted decoration. There has been some loss of detail to the arte povera decoration especially on the fall-front. There are hairline cracks and construction cracks generally commensurate with age, especially down the sides, which can either be filled or left. The arte povera decoration generally has lost its detail. The gilding has been varnished. In otherwise good condition.
"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."