PROBABLY ANTWERP, SECOND HALF 17TH CENTURY, THE STAND ENGLISH, CIRCA 1830-40

The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

This cabinet is in 'country house' condition with the inevitable marks, scratches, shrinkage and wear, consistent with age and use. Some minor losses to the tortoiseshell veneer overall, including a strip to the upper left moulding measuring 7 in. in length. Some minor cracks and lifting to the ebony inlay on the sides and some minor wear to the ebonised decoration of the ripple moulding. As stated in the cataloguing, the doors have been later adapted and fitted with glass panels; there are traces of previous hinges to the door. Some foxing to the bevelled mirror plate on the reverse of the central wall, plate apparently original. The giltwood moulding and figure to the interior probably later. The lock to the long drawer later replaced, some larger horizontal cracks and lifting to the writing slide. The later stand with wear to the giltwood and ebonised decoration of the plinth. Some tarnishing to the brass mounts consistent with age and use. As stated in the cataloguing, the stand is later, probably c.1830. A couple of the copper panels bear some surface scratches, most notably Mercury, Herse and Aglauros. Some of the varnish layers bear surface dirt and have become somewhat discoloured, and the chromatic values would likely benefit from revarnishing, but the paint layers remain generally well-preserved. Overall, the wealth of narrative detail remains highly appreciable and they present well.