A gilt-bronze-and bronze-mounted mahogany secrétaire à abattant, possibly Baltic, first quarter 19th century

with a stepped top and long frieze drawer, the fall-front opening to reveal a fitted interior with a door enclosing five short drawers flanked by four long drawers and one short drawer with a pigeon hole on either side with a leather inset writing surface, wide base with cavetto top moulding and pair of panelled cupboard doors opening to reveal two long drawers veneered in burr elm, on bracket feet; the reverse bearing printed torn paper label MR BENJAMIN GUINNESS, Carlton House Terra..., Londo...,

In overall good restored condition. Old marks, chips and scratches generally commensurate with age and normal usage. The top has a triangular shaped restoration along the rear edge together with horizontal construction cracks and age cracks generally. There are various scattered marks, and scratches and vertical age cracks generally. On the frieze drawer there is evidence of a previous fixing on the inside on the ring handle. There is a small patch to the veneer of the inside fall-front and a small loss next to it. There is an escutcheon to the inside door and the fall-front in ebony. The lower section is more scuffed generally with dents and signs of wear.
"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."