A gilt-bronze-mounted-mahogany bureau plat Louis XVI, circa 1785 and later

with a gilt-bronze banded rectangular top inset with a tooled leather writing surface above three frieze drawers with raised rectangular panels mounted with gilt-bronze twisted-ribbon motif with berried laurel handles, inlaid with a triangular motif at each end, one formerly fitted with a coffre-fort opposing dummy drawers interposed by further raised blocks mounted with a flowerhead, each side with a pull-out leather lined writing slide above a further raised panel enclosing a foliate motif within twisted-ribbon borders above square tapering legs terminating in gilt-bronze sabots, bearing the stamps I Dubois and twice JME

Sold Ader Picard Tajan 19th March 1981.

In overall good conserved condition. There are several construction cracks in the leather top together with some hairline splits in the veneer surrounding the leather. Old very minor restorations to the veneer which have been well executed and which are hardly noticeable. The mounts are of good quality. There are some internal alterations. There is evidence of previous fittings in the drawers and the cover of the coffre-fort in one of the drawers is now missing. The leather top is stained and scratched. Old glue repair to right rear leg where it meets the frieze.
"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."