A pair of Louis XVI ormolu and green serpentine marble lidded urns circa 1780

One lid with restored break. Scattered abrasions and chips; most to edges and corners. Ormolu with some oxidation and surface dirt. Some rubbing to gilding.
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.

This pair of lidded urns is similar in concept to those formerly in the collection of the duc d'Aumont. Pierre Gouthière (1732–1813) is known to have provided mounts for comparable objects executed in rare and ancient marbles after design by the most celebrated draughtsmen of the time. A very similar pair in "marbre serpentin de prèmiere qualite" was sold from the collection of the dealer Poullain on March 15, 1780: "52: Deux coupes rondes, un peu étonnées, garnies de bord à baguette, et de trépied de bronze doré, à quille unie en forme de balustre, paraissant soutenir le cul de lampe, placées sur plinthe ronde à trois petits avant-corps quarrées de marbre vert de mer. Diamètre de ces coupes 6 pouces(16cm), sur 7 pouces 9 lignes de haut, y compris leur garniture." The pair sold for 440 livres to M. Audry (probably M. Haudry de Soucy).