Théodore Millet A gilt-bronze-mounted kingwood and vernis-Martin decorated meuble à hauteur d'appui Paris, late 19th century

of bombé and serpentine form, the central door fitted with a vernis Martin panel depicting courtesans and opening to two shelves, one chute removed to reveal the mark MB from the bronze master model. 

Overall in good condition with the usual minor scratches, dents and nicks to veneers and carcass consistent with age and use. Tarnishing to gilt-bronze in places. The marble with the usual minor chips to edges, scratches to surface consistent with age and use. The bronze bending framing the painted cartouche will need to be re-tightened to the carcass. Loss and replacement of kingwood veneer in several places but visible to the front of the concave upper part. Loss of veneer to apron and the bronze bending surmounting the apron with extensive green oxidation points. The painted panel shows extensive signs of atmospheric and sun damage with craquelures and rugged surface.
"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."

Maison Millet was established by Théodore Millet in 1853, and operated until 1902 from its premises at 11, rue Jacques-Coeur, Paris before relocating to 23, Boulevard Beaumarchais. Maison Millet was a highly regarded furniture firm that was described as producing "meuble et bronze d'art, genre ancien et moderne." The company won several awards in the series of exhibitions in London and Paris, such as the gold medal in the Paris 1889 Exposition Universelle, a Grand Prix in 1900, and three further diplomes d'honneur and four médailles d'or for the furniture they produced. The firm specialized in the Louis XV and XVI styles, though they were acclaimed by their contemporaries for working in their own modern style. In March 1902, the firm was authorized by the Palais de Versailles to replicate Marie-Antoinette's celebrated Grand cabinet à bijoux. An auction was held in 1906 clearing the remaining stock, and the firm finally ceased trading in 1918. It is also interesting to note that Maison Millet was an active client of François Linke.