Paul Sormani 1817 - 1887 A Louis XV style gilt-bronze mounted kingwood vitrine Paris, last quarter 19th century

fitted with three glass shelves, the lock plate signed P. SORMANI/10 rue Charlot /Paris

Overall in good and fair condition with the usual minor scratches, dents and nicks to veneers and carcass consistent with age and use. The bronze mounts have retained their original gilding, but as consistent with age, use and environmental conditions, one can see light wear to high reliefs, light dirt to crevices and some minute oxidation points in places. The marble with the usual minor chips to edges, scratches to surface consistent with age and use. Bronze molding to top of vitrine will need to be re-tightened. The bronze mounts are fine and well-cast. One key present. The department encourages interested parties to use our online e-catalogue's zoom function to enjoy magnified and alternate views of this lot.
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.

SORMANI, PAUL (1817-1866) AND PAUL-CHARLES (b. February 5, 1848). Paul Sormani established the firm in 1847 at 7, Cimetière Saint-Nicholas in Paris. The location was then changed in 1854 to 114, Rue du Temple, and in 1867 to 10, rue Charlot. He was present at all the major exhibitions with petits meubles de fantaisie, as well as excellent quality reproductions of some of the Garde Meuble National items. The firm won a bronze medal in 1849 and une médaille de première classe in 1855. At the 1867 Exposition Universelle, his work was described as such: ‘toute sa production révèle une qualité d'exécution de tout premier ordre’ (‘the whole of his production exhibits craftsmanship of the highest quality’). When Sormani passed away, his son, Paul-Charles took over his father business alongside his mother, Ursule-Marie Philippine, hence the company’s name change to Sormani Veuve Paul et Fils. In 1914 Paul Charles Sormani formed a partnership with Thiebault Frères, and the firm was moved to 134, Boulevard Haussmann, where it remained until its closure in 1934. The furniture production was of the highest quality in the style of Louis XV and Louis XVI.