A PAIR OF LOUIS XV STYLE RED LACQUER AND PARCEL GILT TWO DRAWER SERPENTINE COMMODES France or England, late 19th century

each decorated to the front with Chinese outdoor scenes and to the sides with phoenix birds, one surmounted by a brèche d'Alep, the other by a brèche de Guillestre, each stamped with the numbers 10964 and 10963 respectively

As visible in the catalogue illustration, each upper drawer has an horizontal crack consistent with construction and wood shrinkage. The lacquer decoration has losses to gilding, especially to the pagoda showing to the commode illustration at the bottom of the catalogue page. Extensive tarnishing to bronze. One commode with a vertical crack to its proper lefthand side. The commode with the breche d'Alep marble top shows old restoration on the marble top, as well as a more visible restoration to the back leftside corner of the molding. Both marble tops with chips to edges consistent to age and use; however, despite all of these normal condition issues (all consistent with age), this pair of commodes remains very decorative and attractive.
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.