Gervais-Maximilien-Eugène Durand 1839 - 1920 A LOUIS XVI STYLE GILT BRONZE MOUNTED MAHOGANY, KINGWOOD AND EBONY COMMODE À L'ANGLAISE Paris, circa 1880s

surmounted by a rouge griotte Rubané marble top above a frieze fitted with one central drawer and flanked by two spring release drawers above a single cupboard door, the sides with rouge griotte Rubané platforms and satinwood, sycamore and mahogany flower-head trellis marquetry, the top of the cabinet lightly stamped G. DURAND.

Overall in good condition. The marble top with the usual minor edge chips and light surface scratches. The shelves also with the usual light surface scratches and dust in crevices. One marble shelf with a repaired crack, another with a crack that has not been sealed. The gilt bronze mounts with some light wear and scattered oxidation points, consistent with age and environmental effects. The veneered surfaces with some light surface scratches and nicks consistent with age and use. Three losses to veneer along the proper right edge of the central door. A few edge chips to moulded top edge of the cabinet.
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.

Gervais-Maximilien-Eugène Durand established the Maison Durand firm in 1870, producing top quality eighteenth-century style furniture. The business triumphed when the firm participated in the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle,  obtaining a silver medal and commended as 'un ébénistes aussi habile que modeste, qui expose pour la première fois les meubles de premier ordre, dont il est à la fois le déssinateur et l'exécutant; il marche sur la voie tracée par les maîtres tel que Beurdeley et Dasson.' In 1890, when Durand's son Frédéric-Louis joined the firm, the name was changed to Durand & Fils.  The firm was located at 12 Rue de la Cerisaie, Paris, but subsequently moved in 1900 to 62, Rue Saint-Antoine, previously the hotel de Sully.