A German fruitwood and cedarwood bureau cabinet, Potsdam circa 1760

with arched upper section above two doors and three shelves, the fall-front with fitted interior with nine short drawers, pigeon holes and secret compartments concealed by pilasters above three serpentine long drawers, bombé sides on acanthus scrolled feet

Claudia Freytag et alt., Bruckmann's Möbel-Lexikon, Bruckmann, 1987, ill. cover, pl. 47.

In overall good conserved condition. Old very minor marks, chips and scratches commensurate with age and normal usage. Some scattered age cracks which do not detract from the piece. Some very minor sections of veneer missing which can easily be restored. hairline construction cracks on the lower bombé sections and restored cracks and minor restorations to the veneer. Some wear to the gilding on the mounts which are a little dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste. Evidence of previous handles. Restorations to carved sections to lower sections flanking fall-front. The hinges inside the fall-front are possibly later replacements.
"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:
Hermann Schmitz, Deutsche Möbel des Barock und Rokoko, Stuttgart, 1923,  p. 205.

Jorg Weber, Edernholz" an friderizianischen Innenausstattungen in Potsdamer und Berliner Schlössern Materialtechnische Untersuchungen, Nomenklatur, Handelswege, Kulturwissenschaftliche Fakultät- Europa-Universität Viadrina/EUV, 2013. Weber states that cedarwood was very highly prized in the mid 18th century and imported from the Middle East particularly from Lebanon to Amsterdam and Hamburg from where it went to Potsdam where it was used almost exclusively for the decoration of the palaces.

A related bureau cabinet in cedarwood with similarly curved sides on the lower section was originally at Schloss Langenstein near Halberstadt and sold at auction in 2014.