A gilt-bronze-mounted mahogany commode a Vantaux stamped Jacob Frères Rue Meslée Empire, circa 1800

with an inset associated giallo antico marble top above a frieze drawer centered by a winged Venus in a chariot drawn by four butterflies amongst clouds with a further butterfly at each end above a pair of cupboard doors the edge of one mounted with a flaming torch, each door with a female bacchic mask within a roundel opening to reveal three pull-out shelves, the projecting stiles with a thyrsus entwined with vine leaves on an inverted breakfront platform base, the back incised twice M.J. the back of the anthemion mounts engraved PD; marble top restored 

In overall good conserved condition. Old very minor marks, chips and scratches to the marble which are hardly noticable due to the mottling in the marble. The quality of the mounts are exceptional with some very minor surface dirt and casting cracks which are hardly noticeable. Some very minor restorations to the veneer and minor splits here and there and losses along the bottom edge of the drawer as visible from the catalogue photo which are hardly noticeable and do not detract from the piece. The sides are slightly warped and the left side has two horizontal hairline construction cracks which can eaily be filled or left. There is a very minor section chipped off the veneer of the rear edge of the right side. There is a hairline vertical crack down the right door which can easily be filled.
"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."

Jacob Frères Rue Meslée was the stamp used by Georges II and François-Honoré-Georges Jacob from 1796-1803.