A German carved giltwood small centre table circa 1770/80

with a later inset  rectangular brèche d'Alep marble top above projecting corners, the frieze carved with beading enclosing guilloche and flowerheads, each corner applied with a patera suspending ribbon-tied oak leaf swags on square tapering legs carved with a piastre motif on block feet

In overall very good conserved condition. There is a very minor area of infil to the marble top where there has been a minor chip. There is also a small area of white staining which can easily be repolished. The carving is very good with some minor surface dirty which can easily be cleaned off according to taste. There is some very minor chips to carving and wear to gilding which is hardly noticeable. The contrast of the different coloured gilding is most attractive. Evidence of old minor worm which appears to be no longer active.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
Heinrich Kreisel, Die Kunst des Deutschen Möbels, Vol. III, Munich, 1973, plates 128-135.

This table of small dimensions is the typical combination of sophisticated elegance with robust crisp carving combining gilding on a walnut carcass. Comparable German tables described as  Hessen or Kassel, are illustrated by Kreisel, op. cit., plates 128-135. The closest comparable table with boldly carved oak leaf swags issuing from a flowerhead on the frieze, is illustrated op. cit., plate 129, in Schloss Fasanerie bei Fulda.