the inkstand and pen tray in the Art Nouveau taste, the stepped marble base set with a silver plaque chased and repoussé with scenes of factories and shipping, the heavy glass inkwell cut to resemble an iris, the flower named after the Greek goddess of communication, each lobe engraved with an iris, the silver mount with hinged lid formed as the head of Hermes or Mercury, god of financial gain, commerce, communication, and shipping, rising from a shaped base decorated with whiplash scrolls and an iris, 84 standard

large and impressive, the front right corner of the marble base broken and repaired, the back of the plaque with four holes, possibly for an attachment, the glass stand with a crack and area of loss to the underside at the front, the interior of the hinged lid possibly repaired and regilded
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.