Georges-Alphonse-Bonifacio Monbro, called Monbro Ainé 1807-1884 A Napoléon III gilt-bronze mounted ebony, pietra dura, brass, pewter and tortoiseshell Boulle style marquetry cabinet on stand Paris, mid-19th century, in the manner of André-Charles Boulle

the cupboard opening to a mahogany veneered interior fitted with two shelves, the stand with a frieze drawer, stamped twice MONBRO AINE

Overall in good condition and presentation with the usual minor hairline scratches and minute nicks to veneers and carcass consistent with age and use. Tarnishing to gilt-bronze in places also consistent with age and atmospheric conditions through the years. Brass key hole escutcheon lacking. Seven losses to pietra dura decoration. The lower part of the stand is showing cracks at the seams of construction and extensive losses to the ebony veneer. The upper edge of the stand is showing extensive chips, cracks, and some losses of veneers. The brass and pewter boulle-style marquetry extensively tarnished but also showing uplifting to brass inlay that will need to be glued back. Two of the brass banding are lacking.
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.

Based on a very classic and sober Royal cabinet by André-Charles Boulle made circa 1700 the present lot with its Napoléon III pastiche attracted royals from Russia. Olga Nikolaievna, Grand Duchess of Russia and Queen of Württemberd, second daughter of Tzar Nicolas I, owned a pair at her Stuttgart's Villa Berg which were sold Sotheby's London, October 2, 1997, lot 114.
This exotic Louis XIV style cabinet displays marble bas-relief plaques of Florentine pietra commessa, indeed deriving from cabinets by André-Charles Boulle which King Louis-Philippe had adapted in 1839 (see D. Alcouffe et al., Furniture Collections in the Louvre, Paris, 1993, p. 60-68). Georges-Alphonse-Bonifacio Monbro, who had taken control of the family's Parisian firm in 1838, exhibited similar cabinets 'de Genre Boulle' at the Paris 1855 Exhibition. At this time, a pair of related cabinets, incorporating faïence plaques after Raphael, were acquired by John Bowers (d. 1885) for his house, the Château Du Barry, Louveciennes (ill. S. Kane, 'Le Bowes Museum', L'Estampille/l'Objet d'Art, May 1992, p. 76). Another identical pair were sold in Sotheby's London, 15 November 1984, lot 70. A single cabinet was recently sold Christie's London, 18 September 2014, lot 323.

For a note on Monbro please see lot 44 in the present sale.