A gilt-bronze-mounted mahogany secrétaire à abattant, possibly north European first quarter 19th century

with a raised veneered rectangular top above a gilt-bronze border, the frieze applied with a dagger, knife, mirror, urn and an anthemion flanked by fruit-filled scrolled cornucopia interposed by roundels enclosing a patera opening to reveal a tooled leather writing surface, pigeon holes, four long and four short drawers, one of the short drawers fitted with compartments for inkpot and sander, above a pair of doors enclosing a shelf, on a platform base surmounted by a gilt-bronze border, veneered on the back to form a centre-piece

Château de Rochecotte

In overall good condition. The gilt-bronze is slightly dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste. The veneer is in good order with some very minor restorations and restored cracks. Some hairline splits in the veneer generally.
"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."

Dorothea von Biron, Princess of Courland (1793 - 1862) married Edmond de Talleyrand-Perigord, and became duchess of Dino and then in 1838 Duchess of Talleyrand.  After deciding to reside in the principality of Sagan in Silesia, in 1847, she granted her château de Rochecotte to her daughter, Pauline de Castellane. In 1934, Emilio Terry bought from his brother- in-law Stanislas de Castellane, the historic château de Rochecotte.