in the form of a peacock, together with a Russian gilt-bronze-mounted mother-of-pearl Oriental figure, circa 1830, and an Austrian gilt-bronze mounted mother of pearl, painted and silk miniature rose bush surmounted by a parrot in a jardinière, Vienna, 1830, and a gilt-bronze and cut-glass inkstand, King Charles X, circa 1830, and a gilt-bronze inkstand, in the form of a scallopshell enclosing two inkpots and a sander

Comparative Literature:
Valentina Michailovna Golod, L' aristocrazia dell bello, Il primo museo privato di San Pietroburgo, Milan, 1994, fig. 250 for a very similar presse-papier in the form of a peacock.

The gilt-metal would benefit from cleaning on all of these items. The small tree on a plinth is lacking shell to the plinth to the front and right hand side. The flowers and leaves are rather creased. The painted parrot is chipped and could benefit from re-painting. The glass base of the circular inkstand is cracked and some of the pen holders are bent slightly out of alignment.
"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."