A large gilt-bronze mounted kingwood bureau plat after the model attributed to Joseph Baumhaeur French, circa 1890

three frieze drawers and fitted with a gilt-tooled brown leather writing surface.

See A. Pradère, French Furniture Makers, ed. du Chêne, Paris, 1989, p. 232, pl. 233 for the black and white illustration of this model formerly from the Kotschoubey collection and now in the Louvre.

Overall in good condition; its large scale gives it a good presentation; good gilding and casting with some tarnishing points.
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.

The present desk is a larger copy of the18th century model attributed to Joseph Baumhauer and thought to have belonged to Empress Catherine II of Russia see: Connaissance des Arts, Numéro 157, Mars 1965, pp. 83-89 (illustrated) p. 88, fig.12.

Joseph Baumhauer (d. 1772), ébéniste privilégie du Roi circa 1749, otherwise know as Joseph, had German origins and settled in Paris before 1745. Although he was not a maître, he often stamped his pieces Joseph and had a highly successful workshop in rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine. An inventory taken after his death reveals that he produced very few pieces, around fifteen in all.  Considering the size of his business, it seems that he worked mainly on commission or for the marchands-merciers. Joseph's clientèle included the French aristocrats as well as Austrian and Russian clients, a number of his important pieces in the rococo style being in the Hermitage.