Georges-Alphonse-Bonifacio Monbro, called Monbro Ainé 1807-1884 A FINE PAIR OF NAPOLÉON III GILT BRONZE AND PIETRA DURA MOUNTED EBONIZED AND EBONY MEUBLES À HAUTEUR D'APPUI Paris, circa 1860

each surmounted by a later black marble top, opening to a cherrywood inlaid interior with two velvet lined shelves, each door with a pietra dura flower filled classical urn, each cabinet with the branded stamp MONBRO/AINÉ

Overall in good condition. The marble top with the usual scratches to top and minor chips around edges consistent with age. The carcass showing some cracks to veneers, also with the usual nicks, scratches and dents consistent with age and use. There are some losses to the pietra dura. One with two leaves lacking, some replacements of marble also visible, now done with plaster. Some brass inlay lifting from the carcass that will need to be professionally restored. The gilt bronze with the usual tarnishing and dirt to crevices.
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 firm of Monbro was established by Georges-Marie Monbro (1774-1841), who was born in Malta and lived for some time in England before returning to France around 1801. Most pieces are the work of Monbro's son(1807-1884), also called Georges, who usually stamped Monbro or Monbro Ainé. There is a group of furniture preserved in the Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle which was purchased directly from Paris by John Bowes himself between 1854 and 1856. Perhaps because of this contact and the father's connection with England, a shop was established at 2 Frith St. in London in 1870 as well as on their premises in Paris. Madame la Duchesse de Berry was one of his distinguished French clients.

Monbro was mostly known for producing meubles de luxe in the common revival styles of the time, as in the present pair of cabinet flirting with pure Louis XVI lines but put to his contemporary taste. He received several Royal commissions, and exhibited at both the Exposition des produits de l'industrie française in 1844 and the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1855.